Do not use Nucynta if you have used a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.
You should not use Nucynta if you have severe breathing problems, or a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
Nucynta can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever your dose is changed. Never take Nucynta in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Do not crush, break, or open an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose.
Tapentadol may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Take Nucynta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never share the medicine with another person. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Tapentadol may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother has taken this medicine during pregnancy.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use Nucynta with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nucynta if you are allergic to tapentadol, or if you have:
severe asthma or breathing problems;
a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus); or
if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
To make sure Nucynta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing that stops during sleep);
a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
alcoholism or drug addiction, mental illness;
urination problems,
liver or kidney disease; or
problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal gland.
If you use opioid medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent tapentadol. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Ask a doctor before using Nucynta if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.
Do not give Nucynta to a child.
How should I take Nucynta?
Take Nucynta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use Nucynta in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.
Never share Nucynta with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Stop taking all other medications that contain tapentadol or tramadol when you start taking Nucynta ER extended-release tablets.
Take Nucynta with a full glass of water at the same times each day, with or without food.
Do not crush, break, or open an extended-release pill. Swallow it whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose.
Nucynta can cause constipation. Talk to your doctor before using a laxative or stool softener to treat or prevent this side effect.
Never crush a pill to inhale the powder or inject it into your vein. This could result in death.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Nucynta suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Do not keep leftover Nucynta. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush the unused medicine down the toilet.
