Oramorph Oral Solution

1. Name of the medicinal product

Oramorph Oral Solution 10 mg/5 ml

 

2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each 5 ml of Oramorph Oral Solution contains 10 mg of Morphine Sulfate.

Excipient(s) with known effect: Each 5 ml also contains 1500 mg sucrose, 500 mg corn syrup (contains glucose), 0.525 ml Ethanol (96%), 9 mg methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and 1 mg propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216).

For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1.

 

3. Pharmaceutical form

Oral solution.

A clear, colourless oral solution.

 

4. Clinical particulars

4.1 Therapeutic indications

For the relief of severe pain in adults, adolescents (aged 13-18 years) and children (aged 1-12 years).

 

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Paediatric population:

Dosage can be increased under medical supervision according to the severity of the pain and the patient's previous history of analgesic requirements.

Special populations:

Reductions in dosage may be appropriate in the elderly and in patients with chronic hepatic disease (for acute hepatic disease see section 4.3), renal impairment, severe hypothyroidism, adrenocortical insufficiency, prostatic hypertrophy, shock or where sedation is undesirable.

Discontinuation of therapy

Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with Oramorph in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).

Method of Administration

For oral use.

When patients are transferred from other morphine preparations to Oramorph Oral preparations dosage titration may be appropriate.

Morphine sulfate is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract following oral administration. However, when oral Oramorph preparations are used in place of parenteral morphine, a 50 % to 100 % increase in dosage is usually required in order to achieve the same level of analgesia.

 

4.3 Contraindications

Oramorph is contraindicated in:

• patients known to be hypersensitive to morphine sulfate or to any other component of the product

• respiratory depression

• obstructive airways disease

• paralytic ileus (see section 4.4)

• acute hepatic disease

• acute alcoholism

• head injuries (see section 4.4)

• coma (see section 4.4)

• increased intracranial pressure (see section 4.4)

• convulsive disorders

• patients with known morphine sensitivity

• concurrent administration with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within two weeks of discontinuation of their use (see section 4.5)

• patients with phaeochromocytoma. Morphine and some other opioids can induce the release of endogenous histamine and thereby stimulate catecholamine release

• acute asthma exacerbations (see section 4.4 for information relating to use in controlled asthma)

 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Care should be exercised if morphine sulfate is given

• in the first 24 hours post-operatively,

• in hypothyroidism (see section 4.2),

• and where there is reduced respiratory function, such as kyphoscoliosis, emphysema, cor pulmonale and severe obesity.

Asthma

It has been suggested that opioids can be used with caution in controlled asthma. However, opioids are contraindicated in acute asthma exacerbations (see section 4.3).

Head injury and increased intracranial pressure

Oramorph is contraindicated in patients with increased intracranial pressure, head injuries and coma (see section 4.3). The capacity of morphine to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be greatly increased in the presence of already elevated intracranial pressure produced by trauma. Also, morphine may produce confusion, miosis, vomiting and other adverse reactions which may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injury.

Abdominal conditions

Morphine sulfate must not be given if paralytic ileus is likely to occur (see section 4.3), or if the patient has bowel or obstructive biliary disease. Should paralytic ileus be suspected or occur during use, Oramorph should be discontinued immediately.

Caution should be exercised where there is an obstructive bowel disorder, biliary colic, operations on the biliary tract, acute pancreatitis or prostatic hyperplasia.

If constipation occurs this may be treated with the appropriate laxatives.

Care should be exercised in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Morphine may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions and complications following abdominal surgery.

Hypotensive effect

The administration of morphine may result in severe hypotension in individuals whose ability to maintain homeostatic blood pressure has already been compromised by depleted blood volume or the concurrent administration of drugs such as phenothiazine or certain anaesthetics (see section 4.5).

Drug dependence, tolerance and potential for abuse

Morphine sulfate is an opioid agonist and controlled drug. For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).

Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.

A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.

Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.

Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.

Morphine sulfate may be abused by inhaling or injecting the product. These practices pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose and death.

Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.

The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.

Drug withdrawal syndrome

Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with Oramorph.

Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.

The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.

If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions have both occurred with the use of Oramorph. Care should be taken to elicit any history of allergic reactions to opiates. Oramorph is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to morphine sulfate (see section 4.3).

Adrenal insufficiency

Opioid analgesics may cause reversible adrenal insufficiency requiring monitoring and glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include e.g. nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or low blood pressure.

Decreased sex hormones and increased prolactin

Long-term use of opioid analgesics may be associated with decreased sex hormone levels and increased prolactin. Symptoms include decreased libido, impotence or amenorrhoea.

Risk in special populations

Morphine is metabolised by the liver and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic disease as oral bioavailability may be increased. It is wise to reduce dosage in chronic hepatic and renal disease, severe hypothyroidism, adrenocortical insufficiency, prostatic hypertrophy or shock (see section 4.2).

The active metabolite Morphine-6-glucuronide may accumulate in patients with renal failure, leading to CNS and respiratory depression.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD)

Due to a possible association between ACS and morphine use in SCD patients treated with morphine during a vaso-occlusive crisis, close monitoring for ACS symptoms is warranted.

Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs

Concomitant use of Oramorph Oral Solution and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.

Because of these risks, co-prescription of Oramorph Oral Solution and sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible.

Oramorph Oral Solution particularly when prescribed concomitantly with sedative medicines, should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time.

Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).

Concomitant use of oral P2Y12 inhibitor antiplatelet therapy

Within the first day of concomitant P2Y12 inhibitor and morphine treatment, reduced efficacy of P2Y12 inhibitor treatment has been observed (see section 4.5).

Use with rifampicin

Plasma concentrations of morphine may be reduced by rifampicin. The analgesic effect of morphine should be monitored and doses of morphine adjusted during and after treatment with rifampicin.

Excipient related warnings

This product contains 3 g sucrose in each 10 ml dose. This product also contains 1 g corn syrup, which contains glucose, in each 10 ml dose. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus. May be harmful to the teeth. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Oramorph Oral Solution contains the excipients methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

Oramorph Oral Solution contains ethanol (alcohol). Each 10 ml dose contains contains up to 810 mg of alcohol, which is equivalent to 81 mg/ml (10%v/v). The amount of alcohol in 10 ml of this medicine is equivalent to 20 ml beer or 8 ml wine. To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and and those addicted to alcohol.

Adults

A dose of 10 ml of this medicine administered to an adult weighing 70 kg would result in exposure to 11.6 mg/kg of ethanol, which may cause a rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of about 1.9 mg/100ml.

For comparison, for an adult drinking a glass of wine or 500ml beer, the BAC is likely to be about 50 mg/100 ml.

Paediatric population

Children 13-18 years: A dose of 10 ml of this medicine administered to a 13 year old child weighing 41 kg would result in exposure to 19.8mg/kg of ethanol, which may cause a rise in BAC of about 3.3 mg/100 ml

Children 6-12 years: A dose of 5 ml of this medicine administered to a 6 year old child weighing 21 kg would result in exposure to 19.3 mg/kg of ethanol, which may cause a rise in BAC of about 3.2 mg/100 ml

Children 1-5 years: A dose of 2.5 ml of this medicine administered to a 1 year old child weighing 9 kg would result in exposure to 22.5 mg/kg of ethanol, which may cause a rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of about 3.7 mg/100ml.

Co-administration with medicines containing e.g. propylene glycol or ethanol may lead to accumulation of ethanol and induce adverse effects, in particular in young children with low or immature metabolic capacity.

 

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are known to interact with narcotic analgesics producing CNS excitation or depression with hyper- or hypotensive crisis, therefore their concomitant use with Oramorph is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Gabapentin

Interactions have been reported in those taking morphine and gabapentin. Reported interactions suggest an increase in opioid adverse events when co-prescribed, the mechanism of which is not known. Caution should be taken where these medicines are co-prescribed.

In a study involving healthy volunteers (N=12), when a 60 mg controlled-release morphine capsule was administered 2 hours prior to a 600 mg gabapentin capsule, mean gabapentin AUC increased by 44% compared to gabapentin administered without morphine. Therefore, patients should be carefully observed for signs of CNS depression, such as somnolence, and the dose of gabapentin or morphine should be reduced appropriately.

Ritonavir

Although there are no pharmacokinetic data available for concomitant use of ritonavir with morphine, ritonavir may increase the activity of glucuronyl transferases. Consequently, co-administration of ritonavir and morphine may result in decreased serum concentrations of morphine with possible loss of analgesic effectiveness.

Rifampicin

Rifampicin can reduce the plasma concentration of morphine and decrease its analgesic effect, the mechanism of which is not known.

Cimetidine

Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of morphine.

Sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs

The concomitant use of opioids with sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).

Other CNS depressants

It should be noted that morphine potentiates the effects of CNS depressants such as tranquillisers, anaesthetics (see section 4.4), hypnotics, sedatives, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol.

Esmolol

Morphine may increase plasma concentrations of esmolol.

Domperidone/metoclopramide

Opioid analgesics including morphine may antagonise the actions of domperidone and metoclopramide on gastro-intestinal activity.

Oral P2Y12 inhibitors

A delayed and decreased exposure to oral P2Y12 inhibitor antiplatelet therapy has been observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with morphine. This interaction may be related to reduced gastrointestinal motility and apply to other opioids. The clinical relevance is unknown, but data indicate the potential for reduced P2Y12 inhibitor efficacy in patients co-administered morphine and a P2Y12 inhibitor (see section 4.4). In patients with acute coronary syndrome, in whom morphine cannot be withheld and fast P2Y12 inhibition is deemed crucial, the use of a parenteral P2Y12 inhibitor may be considered.

Mexiletine

The absorption of mexiletine may be delayed by concurrent use of morphine.

Phenothiazine antiemetics

Phenothiazine antiemetics may be given with morphine. However, hypotensive effects have to be considered (see section 4.4).

 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Although morphine sulfate has been in general use for many years, there is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy.

Morphine is known to cross the placenta. Therefore, Oramorph should not be used in pregnancy, especially the first trimester unless the expected benefit is thought to outweigh any possible risk to the foetus.

Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.

The risk of gastric stasis and inhalation pneumonia is increased in the mother during labour. Since morphine rapidly crosses the placental barrier it should not be used during the second stage of labour or in premature delivery because of the risk of secondary respiratory depression in the newborn infant.

The quantity of ethanol contained in Oramorph Oral Solution should be considered in pregnant women (See section 4.4).

Breast-feeding

Although morphine sulfate has been in general use for many years, there is inadequate evidence of safety during lactation.

Administration to nursing women is not recommended as morphine sulfate may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.

Fertility

Long term use of opioid analgesics can cause hypogonadism and adrenal insufficiency in both men and women. This is thought to be dose related and can lead to amenorrhoea, reduced libido, infertility and erectile dysfunction.

Animal studies have shown that morphine may reduce fertility (see 5.3. preclinical safety data).

 

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Morphine sulfate is likely to impair ability to drive and to use machinery. This effect is even more enhanced, when used in combination with alcohol or CNS depressants. Patients should be warned not to drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking Oramorph.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:

• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive

• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you

• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine

• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:

o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and

o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and

o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely

 

4.8 Undesirable effects

Data from clinical trials are not available. Therefore except where stated all frequencies of the undesirable effects are unknown.

In normal doses, the commonest side effects of morphine sulfate are nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. If constipation occurs, this may be treated with appropriate laxatives. The effects of morphine have led to its abuse and misuse. Dependence and addiction may develop with regular use.

A full list of currently known adverse reactions is presented below:

*Frequency uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

 

4.9 Overdose

Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.

Symptoms

Signs of morphine toxicity and overdosage are likely to consist of pin-point pupils, respiratory depression and hypotension. Circulatory failure, pneumonia aspiration and deepening coma may occur in more severe cases. Convulsions may occur in infants and children. Death may occur from respiratory failure.

Treatment

Adults: Administer 0.4-2 mg of naloxone intravenously. Repeat at 2-3 minute intervals as necessary to a maximum of 10 mg, or by 2 mg in 500 ml of normal saline or 5 % dextrose (4 micrograms/ml). Children: 5-10 micrograms per kilogram body weight intravenously. If this does not result in the desired degree of clinical improvement, a subsequent dose of 100 mcg/kg body weight may be administered.

Care should always be taken to ensure that the airway is maintained. Assist respiration if necessary. Maintain fluid and electrolyte levels. Oxygen, i.v. fluids, vasopressors and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Peak plasma concentrations of morphine are expected to occur within 15 minutes of oral ingestion. Therefore gastric lavage and activated charcoal are unlikely to be beneficial.

Caution: the duration of the effect of naloxone (2-3 hours) may be shorter than the duration of the effect of the morphine overdose. It is recommended that a patient who has regained consciousness after naloxone treatment should be observed for at least 6 hours after the last dose of naloxone.

 

5. Pharmacological properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Natural opium alkaloids. ATC code: NO2AA01

Morphine binds to specific receptors which are located at various levels of the central nervous system and also in various peripheral organs. The pain sensation and the affective reaction to pain is relieved by interaction with the receptors in the central nervous system.

 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Morphine is modestly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Following oral administration of radiolabelled morphine to humans, peak plasma levels were reached after approximately 15 minutes. Morphine undergoes significant first pass metabolism in the liver resulting in a systemic bioavailability of approximately 25%.

Distribution

Approximately one third of morphine in the plasma is protein bound after a therapeutic dose.

Biotransformation

Metabolism of morphine principally involves conjugation to morphine 3- and 6- glucuronides. Small amounts are also metabolised by N-demethylation and N-dealkylation. Morphine-6-glucuronide has pharmacological effects indistinguishable from those of morphine. The half-life of morphine is approximately 2 hours. The t1/2 of morphine-6-glucuronide is somewhat longer.

Elimination

A small amount of a dose of morphine is excreted through the bowel into the faeces. The remainder is excreted in the urine, mainly in the form of conjugates. Approximately 90 % of a single dose of morphine is excreted in the first 24 hours. Enterohepatic circulation of morphine and its metabolites can occur, and may result in small quantities of morphine to be present in the urine or faeces for several days after the last dose.

 

5.3 Preclinical safety data

In male rats, reduced fertility and chromosomal damage in gametes have been reported.

 

6. Pharmaceutical particulars

6.1 List of excipients

Ethanol (96%), corn syrup, sucrose, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) and purified water.

 

6.2 Incompatibilities

None stated.

 

6.3 Shelf life

3 years.

Discard Oramorph Oral Solution 3 months after first opening.

 

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container to protect from light.

 

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Amber glass bottles with a tamper–evident, child resistant polypropylene closure with expanded PE liner are available in packs of 100 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml or 500 ml.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

 

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

None stated.

 

7. Marketing authorisation holder

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

Binger Strasse 173

55216 Ingelheim am Rhein

Germany

 

8. Marketing authorisation number

PL 14598/0114

 

9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 8th March 1988

Date of last renewal: 30^th June 2005

 

10. Date of revision of the text

September 2020