Pain Home > Avinza Side Effects
Constipation, nausea, and drowsiness are the most common side effects reported with Avinza. Side effects that are less common (occurring in less than 5 percent of people) and may or may not be related to the medication itself include indigestion, hiccups, and thirst. Some side effects of Avinza are potentially serious and require immediate medical attention, including difficulty urinating, severe drowsiness, and falling or unsteadiness.
As with any medicine, Avinza® (morphine sulfate ER) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Avinza. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Avinza side effects with you.)
Avinza has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the most common side effects, occurring in more than 10 percent of people, included:
- Constipation (see Avinza and Constipation)
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Headache.
For most people, drowsiness and nausea significantly improve after taking Avinza for a week or so. If nausea is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend an anti-nausea medication for a few days, until your body becomes accustomed to Avinza.
Other common Avinza side effects (occurring in 5 to 10 percent of people) included:
- Swelling or fluid retention in the ankles or feet
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Accidental injury
- Flu symptoms (such as fever, aches, and chills)
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Unusual sensations (such as burning, pricking, tingling, or numbness)
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath.