Avinza

Avinza is a prescription drug used for relieving moderate to severe chronic pain. It is meant to be taken every day on a regular schedule, not on an "as needed" basis. Avinza capsules contain tiny extended-release beads that are specially designed to release morphine evenly throughout the day. While most people tolerate this narcotic well, potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, and headaches.

 

What Is Avinza?

Avinza® (morphine sulfate ER) is a long-acting prescription medication approved to treat moderate to severe pain when continuous, around-the-clock (scheduled) use of painkillers is necessary for an extended period of time. It is not approved for short-term or "as needed" (unscheduled) use. Avinza is taken just once a day.
 
(Click Avinza Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Avinza?

Avinza is made by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Avinza capsules contain tiny extended-release beads that are specially designed to release morphine evenly throughout the day, allowing for once-daily dosing.
 
Morphine is an opioid narcotic medication. It binds to opioid receptors throughout the body and produces numerous different effects, some desirable (such as pain control) and some undesirable (such as itching). These effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Pain relief
  • Cough suppression
  • Unusual unpleasant feelings (dysphoria) or unusual pleasant feelings (euphoria)
  • Slowing of the digestive tract
  • Drowsiness
  • Release of histamine (which often causes itching)
  • Decreased breathing (slow or shallow breathing)
  • Certain changes in the circulatory system
  • Physical dependence.
     
(Avinza Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;