hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, USP (HIGH POTENCY) Boxed Warning

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION [HIGH POTENCY FORMULATION (HPF)]

Risk of Medication Errors

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is a more concentrated solution of hydromorphone and is for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. Do not confuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with standard parenteral formulations of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection or other opioids, as overdose and death could result [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Because the use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7)].

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

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Boxed Warning

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION [HIGH POTENCY FORMULATION (HPF)]

Risk of Medication Errors

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is a more concentrated solution of hydromorphone and is for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. Do not confuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with standard parenteral formulations of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection or other opioids, as overdose and death could result [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Because the use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7)].

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

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