MS Contin

Generic name: Morphine sulfate

What is MS Contin?

MS Contin is a narcotic pain medication that releases its active ingredient (morphine) slowly over time. It is used to treat patients in severe pain who need a painkiller for more than a few days.

What is the most important information I should know about MS Contin?

MS Contin may depress your breathing rate, especially if you are elderly or debilitated, or have conditions that can cause you to become oxygen depleted. You should use caution when taking MS Contin if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other disease of the lungs that may reduce your breathing rate.

If you have a pre-existing head injury, elevated intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull), or other injuries to your brain, MS Contin may hide signs of worsening head injuries or may further increase the pressure in your skull.

MS Contin may cause extremely low blood pressure, especially when you rise from laying down or a sitting position.

Taking MS Contin on a regular basis may lead to physical or psychological dependence, potentially leading to drug abuse. If you have taken MS Contin for an extended period of time, you should not suddenly stop taking it. If you discontinue therapy your doctor will gradually reduce your daily dose over time to prevent withdrawal side effects.

Rarely, MS Contin can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis; if you experience any difficulty breathing after taking MS Contin, seek emergency medical attention right away. MS Contin may impair your ability to perform daily tasks that require mental alertness such as driving an automobile.

Who should not take MS Contin?

Do not take MS Contin if you are allergic or sensitive to morphine or any ingredient in MS Contin; if you have a decreased breathing capacity and are not in the presence of emergency medical caregivers; acute or severe asthma; or if you have an intestinal disorder known as "paralytic ileus."

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of MS Contin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with MS Contin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are elderly or debilitated; have severe liver, lung, or kidney impairment; thyroid disease; adrenocortical insufficiency (e.g., Addison's Disease); brain depression or coma; psychosis; prostate enlargement, or urethral stricture; acute alcoholism; a spinal condition called kyphoscoliosis; or an inability to swallow.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: MS Contin is usually taken every 12 hours at doses that range from 15 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per dose. Your individual dose depends on if you have taken another narcotic pain medication in the past or are switching from another pain medication to MS Contin. Your dose is also determined by your doctor based on the type of pain medication you have taken in the past and its dose.

MS Contin 100 and 200 mg tablets are only to be taken by patients who are tolerant of daily doses of morphine of 200 mg and greater for the 100 mg tablet or 400 mg and greater for the 200 mg tablet.

How should I take MS Contin?

MS Contin tablets should be swallowed whole and never chewed or crushed. If a tablet is broken in any way and then taken, this may result in the release of a large enough dose of morphine to be toxic and cause serious side effects.

What should I avoid while taking MS Contin?

You should not drink alcohol or take sleeping aids while taking MS Contin.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with MS Contin?

If MS Contin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining MS Contin with the following: alcohol; agonist/antagonist pain relievers such as pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol, or buprenorphine; general anesthetics; phenothiazine-type medications; sedatives; and tranquilizers.

What are the possible side effects of MS Contin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, sweating, euphoria, negative mood changes

Can I receive MS Contin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should not take MS Contin during pregnancy unless your doctor instructs you to and is aware that you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using MS Contin.

MS Contin is found in breast milk; you should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

What should I do if I miss a dose of MS Contin?

You should not double your dose of MS Contin. Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store MS Contin?

MS Contin should be stored at room temperature away from light.