Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection Hp Forte Product Monograph

INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE

Analgesia

Adults

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) are indicated for the relief of severe pain only in patients who require subcutaneously, intravenously or intramuscularly administered opioids in doses or concentrations higher than those usually needed. Because HYDROmorphone is highly soluble, a smaller injection volume can be used and discomfort associated with the intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of larger volumes of solution can be minimized.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age)

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range and titrated slowly, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Geriatrics).

Pediatrics (< 18 years of age)

The safety and efficacy of HYDROmorphone has not been studied in the pediatric population. Therefore, the use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are indicated as supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy in adult patients with severe opioid use disorder who are using injectable opioids and have failed previous attempts at opioid agonist therapy.

Injectable opioid agonist therapy with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should only be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in treatment of severe opioid use disorder and trained in injectable opioid agonist therapy, in accordance with provincial or territorial professional requirements and guidance, as applicable. To be safely used as a supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy, the product has to be administered in facilities that allow for prompt recognition of serious adverse reactions, including potentially fatal respiratory depression, and initiation of immediate resuscitation measures (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

In the clinical trial which demonstrated efficacy of injectable HYDROmorphone, supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy could be supplemented with oral opioid agonist therapy (methadone), in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy should be monitored and provided within a framework of medical, social, and psychological support, as part of a comprehensive opioid dependence treatment program.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age)

Supervised injectable agonist therapy with HYDROmorphone for severe opioid use disorder has not been evaluated in patients older than 65 years. Caution is advised, in recognition of the likelihood of concomitant disease and drug therapies and the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Geriatrics).

Pediatrics (< 18 years of age)

The safety and efficacy of siOAT with HYDROmorphone for severe opioid use disorder have not been studied in the pediatric population, therefore HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are not indicated for siOAT in patients under 18 years of age.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General

Administration is contraindicated in:

• Patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance (HYDROmorphone) or other opioid analgesics or to any ingredient in the formulation. For a complete listing, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the Prescribing Information.
• Patients who are not already receiving high doses or high concentrations of opioids.
• Patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (e.g., bowel obstruction or strictures) or any diseases/conditions that affect bowel transit (e.g., ileus of any type).
• Patients with suspected surgical abdomen (e.g., acute appendicitis or pancreatitis).
• Patients with mild pain that can be managed with other pain medications.
• Patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive airway, or status asthmaticus.
• Patients with acute respiratory depression, elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood and/or cor pulmonale.
• Patients with acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, and convulsive disorders.
• Patients with severe CNS depression, increased cerebrospinal or intracranial pressure, and/or head injury.
• Patients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (or within 14 days of such therapy).
• Women who are breast-feeding, pregnant or during labour and delivery (see Serious Warnings and Precautions, and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

For the Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT) indication

In addition to the above CONTRAINDICATIONS, administration is contraindicated in:

• Patients with signs of intoxication, including due to centrally-acting sedatives and/or stimulants, or in any other acute clinical condition that would increase the risk of an adverse event with the use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

General

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) are highly concentrated solutions of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride. They should be used only in opioid tolerant patients requiring high doses or high concentrations of opioid agonists. Do not confuse HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte with the lower concentration of the HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection, 2 mg/mL Sterile Solution for Injection since overdosage and death could result.

When used at high concentrations, the delivery of precise lower doses of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) may be difficult. Therefore, high concentration HYDROmorphone preparations should be used only if the amount of HYDROmorphone required can be delivered accurately.

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte pose risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Each patient’s risk should be assessed prior to prescribing HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte, and all patients should be monitored regularly for the development of these behaviours or conditions (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be stored securely to avoid theft or misuse.

Life-threatening Respiratory Depression: OVERDOSE

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte. Infants exposed in utero or through breast milk are at risk of life-threatening respiratory depression upon delivery or when nursed. Patients should be monitored for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte or following a dose increase.

Further, instruct patients of the hazards related to taking opioids including fatal overdose.

Accidental Exposure

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of

HYDROmorphone (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Disposal, for instructions on proper disposal).

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged maternal use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, Hp 50 or HP Forte during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND

PRECAUTIONS).

Interaction with Alcohol

The co-ingestion of alcohol with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should be avoided as it may result in dangerous additive effects, causing serious injury or death (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neurologic and DRUG INTERACTIONS).

• Reserve concomitant prescribing of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
• Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
• Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Analgesia-Specific SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

In addition to all the above SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Limitations of Use

Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the risks of overdose and death with immediate release opioid formulations, HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte injection should only be used in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide appropriate management of pain (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy-Specific SERIOUS WARNINGS AND

PRECAUTIONS

In addition to all the above SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be injected into the jugular or femoral vein.

General

Where high concentration HYDROmorphone preparations are indicated, the patient is presumed to be receiving an opioid to which tolerance has developed and the initial dose of HYDROmorphone selected should therefore be estimated on the basis of the relative potency of HYDROmorphone and the opioid previously used by the patient (see DOSAGE AND

ADMINISTRATION).

In diseases, such as malignant cancers, where pain control is the primary focus, opioid administration at very high doses has been associated with seizures and myoclonus.

Hyperalgesia that will not respond to a further dose increase of HYDROmorphone may occur at particularly high doses. A HYDROmorphone dose reduction or change in opioid may be required.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be stored securely to avoid theft or misuse.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the continuous administration of potent opioids, in the management of patients receiving potent opioids, and in the detection and management of respiratory depression, including the use of opioid antagonists.

Patients should be cautioned not to consume alcohol while taking HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte, as it may increase the chance of experiencing serious adverse events, including death.

Abuse and Misuse

Like all opioids, HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are potential drugs of abuse and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Therefore, HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be prescribed and handled with caution.

Analgesia

Patients should be assessed for their clinical risks for opioid abuse or addiction prior to being prescribed opioids. All patients receiving opioids should be routinely monitored for signs of misuse and abuse.

Opioids, such as HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte, should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and illicit/prescription drug abuse. However, concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

In the Phase 3 clinical trial which demonstrated the efficacy of injectable HYDROmorphone in siOAT for patients with severe, refractory opioid use disorder, the supervised therapy included measures to ensure compliance and prevent diversion, and allowed close monitoring for safety.

Cardiovascular

Severe Hypotension: HYDROmorphone administration may result in severe hypotension in patients whose ability to maintain adequate blood pressure is compromised by reduced blood volume, or concurrent administration of such drugs as phenothiazines and other tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants or general anesthetics. These patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dose of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte.

The use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte in patients with circulatory shock should be avoided as it may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure.

Rapid intravenous injection of opioid analgesics increases the possibility of hypotension and respiratory depression and should be avoided (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Dependence/Tolerance

Analgesia

As with other opioids, tolerance and physical dependence may develop upon repeated administration of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte and there is a potential for development of psychological dependence.

Physical dependence and tolerance reflect the neuroadaptation of the opioid receptors to chronic exposure to an opioid, and are separate and distinct from abuse and addiction. Tolerance, as well as physical dependence, may develop upon repeated administration of opioids, and are not by themselves evidence of an addictive disorder or abuse.

Patients on prolonged therapy should be tapered gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. Withdrawal symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy or upon administration of an opioid antagonist. Some of the symptoms that may be associated with abrupt withdrawal of an opioid analgesic include body aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness or restlessness, anxiety, runny nose, sneezing, tremors or shivering, stomach cramps, tachycardia, trouble with sleeping, unusual increase in sweating, palpitations, unexplained fever, weakness and yawning (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adjustment or Reduction of Dosage).

Patients with a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol may be at higher risk of becoming addicted to HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte; extreme caution and awareness is warranted to mitigate the risk.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Withdrawal symptoms may occur following missed doses and are expected after abrupt discontinuation of therapy. In addition, if siOAT is interrupted, re-initiation of dose titration may be necessary, starting at a decreased dose for patient safety, since rapid loss of tolerance may occur, posing a significant risk of overdose (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Endocrine

Adrenal Insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

Gastrointestinal Effects

HYDROmorphone and other morphine-like opioids have been shown to decrease bowel motility. HYDROmorphone may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high-pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn.

Use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte is contraindicated in pregnant women (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Neurologic

Interactions with CNS Depressants (including benzodiazepines and alcohol): HYDROmorphone should be used with caution and in a reduced dosage during concomitant administration of other opioid analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines and other tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, centrally-active anti-emetics and other CNS depressants. Respiratory depression, hypotension and profound sedation, coma or death may result.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be consumed with alcohol as it may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects, including death (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS, Sedation, and DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Severe pain antagonizes the subjective and respiratory depressant actions of opioid analgesics. Should pain suddenly subside, these effects may rapidly become manifest.

Serotonin Syndrome: HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs (e.g. anti-depressants, migraine medications). Treatment with the serotonergic drug should be discontinued if such events (characterized by clusters of symptoms such as hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes including confusion, irritability, extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be used in combination with MAO inhibitors or serotonin- precursors (such as L-tryptophan, oxitriptan) and should be used with caution in combination with other serotonergic drugs (triptans, certain tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, St. John’s Wort) due to the risk of serotonergic syndrome (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Head Injury: The respiratory depressant effects of HYDROmorphone, and the capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure, may be greatly increased in the presence of an already elevated intracranial pressure produced by trauma. Also, HYDROmorphone may produce confusion, miosis, vomiting and other side effects which obscure the clinical course of patients with head injury. In such patients, HYDROmorphone must be used with extreme caution and only if it is judged essential (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Peri-Operative Considerations

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are not indicated for pre-emptive analgesia (administration pre-operatively for the management of post-operative pain).

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should be used with caution pre- and intra-operatively and within the first 24 hours post-operatively. Severe pain antagonizes the subjective and respiratory depressant actions of HYDROmorphone. However, should pain suddenly subside, these effects may rapidly become manifest. Patients who are scheduled for cordotomy or other interruptions of pain transmission pathways should not receive HYDROmorphone within 24 hours of the procedure. Physicians should individualize treatment, moving from parenteral to oral analgesics as appropriate. Thereafter, if HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is to be continued after the patient recovers from the post-operative period, a new dosage should be administered in accordance with the changed need for pain relief. The risk of withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients should be addressed as clinically indicated.

The administration of analgesics in the peri-operative period should be managed by healthcare providers with adequate training and experience (e.g., by an anesthesiologist).

HYDROmorphone and other morphine-like opioids have been shown to decrease bowel motility.

Ileus is a common post-operative complication, especially after intra-abdominal surgery with opioid analgesia. Caution should be taken to monitor for decreased bowel motility in post- operative patients receiving opioids. Standard supportive therapy should be implemented.

Psychomotor Impairment

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte may impair the mental and/or physical abilities needed for certain potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Patients should be cautioned accordingly. Patients should also be cautioned about the combined effects of HYDROmorphone with other CNS depressants, including other opioids, phenothiazine, sedatives, hypnotics and alcohol.

Respiratory

General

Respiratory Depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression from opioid use, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status. HYDROmorphone should be used with extreme caution in patients with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, pre- existing respiratory depression, hypoxia or hypercapnia (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dose increase. Patients should be closely monitored for respiratory depression when initiating therapy with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte and following dose increases.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in the elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte are essential. Overestimating the HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte dose when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. In these patients, the use of non-opioid analgesics should be considered, if feasible (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Special Risk Groups, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Concomitant Oral Methadone Treatment: Due to the pharmacokinetic properties of methadone (such as its long half-life and slow bioaccumulation) compared to other opioids, as well as the high degree of individual variability in absorption rates, metabolism, potency and cross-tolerance with other opioids, a dose increase of methadone may take several days to reach a steady-state concentration and maximum therapeutic effect, and this can cause delayed emergence of serious adverse effects like respiratory depression. Health care professionals assessing patients undergoing siOAT with concomitant oral methadone should be familiar with the risks of such treatment and procedures to mitigate these. Refer also to the corresponding Product Monographs for methadone products indicated for treatment of opioid use disorder.

Use in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease:

Analgesia

Monitor patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression for respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy and titrating with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte, as in these patients, even usual therapeutic doses of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte may decrease respiratory drive to the point of apnea. In these patients, use of alternative non-opioid analgesics should be considered, if possible. The use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is contraindicated in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive airway, or status asthmaticus (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Caution should be exercised in prescribing siOAT to patients with chronic pulmonary disease due to risks associated with respiratory depression.

In the Phase 3 clinical trial which demonstrated the efficacy of injectable HYDROmorphone in siOAT for patients with severe, refractory opioid use disorder, patients with chronic respiratory disease resulting in a resting respiratory rate greater than 20 per minute were excluded from the trial.

Patient Counselling Information

A patient information sheet should be provided to patients when HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is dispensed to them.

Patients receiving HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should be given the following instructions:

1. 1. Patients should be informed that accidental use or administration by individuals (including children) other than the patient for whom it was originally prescribed, may lead to severe, even fatal consequences. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be kept under lock and out of sight and out of reach of children.
2. 2. Patients should be advised that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte contains HYDROmorphone, an opioid pain medicine.
3. 3. Patients should be advised that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should only be used as directed. The dose of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should not be adjusted without consulting with the prescriber.
4. 4. Patients should be advised that high concentration HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte preparations should only be used by patients who are already receiving high doses or high concentrations of opioids.
5. 5. Patients should not combine HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (sleep aids, tranquilizers) because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in serious injury or death.
6. 6.

   Patients should be advised to consult the prescriber or pharmacist if other medications are being used or will be used with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP

   • 10, HP 50 or HP Forte.
7. 7. Patients should be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte and cessation of therapy is indicated, they should not abruptly stop without consulting the prescriber.
8. 8. Patients should be advised of the most common adverse reactions that may occur while taking HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte: constipation, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, sweating and vomiting. If symptoms worsen, patients should seek immediate medical attention.
9. 9. Patients should be advised that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte may cause drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness and may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating machinery). Patients started on HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte or patients whose dose has been adjusted should be advised not to drive a car or operate machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte.
10. 10. Patients should be advised that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are potential drugs of abuse. They should protect it from theft or misuse.
11. 11. Patients should be advised that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed.
12. 12. Women of childbearing potential who become or are planning to become pregnant should be advised to consult a physician prior to initiating or continuing therapy with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte.

Special Considerations for Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should only be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in treatment of severe opioid use disorder and trained in supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy, in accordance with provincial or territorial professional requirements and guidance, as applicable.

The greater inherent risk of overdose with injectable treatments compared to oral OAT should be individually considered in each case.

Prescribers should carefully consider drug interactions (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Use Extreme Caution with siOAT in case of the following:

• Existing injection-related infection (e.g., septicemia, endocarditis, pneumonia, infective osteomyelitis)
• Coagulation disorders (e.g., due to concomitant anticoagulants, severe hepatic disease)

In the above situations, oral treatment should be preferentially prescribed.

Use caution with siOAT in case of the following:

• Patients who cannot safely self-inject their medication, due to either inadequate venous access in ‘low-risk’ sites (with consequent injecting in neck or groin veins), or persistently poor injecting technique not remedied by education about injection
• Patients with chronic medical conditions such as respiratory, hepatic or renal disease, or a history of recent head injury
• Older adults

In the above situations, oral OAT or other forms of treatment may be more appropriate.

Sexual Function / Reproduction

Long-term use of opioids may be associated with decreased sex hormone levels and symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, or infertility (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post- Marketing Experience).

Special Populations

Special Risk Groups: HYDROmorphone should be administered with caution to patients with a history of alcohol and drug abuse and in a reduced dosage to debilitated patients, and in patients with severely impaired pulmonary function, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, myxedema, toxic psychosis, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture.

The administration of opioid analgesics, including HYDROmorphone, may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions.

Opioid analgesics including HYDROmorphone should also be used with caution in patients about to undergo surgery of the biliary tract, since it may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi.

Pregnant Women: Studies in humans have not been conducted. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte cross the placental barrier and are contraindicated in pregnant women.

Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, can be life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Experience).

Pregnant women using opioids should not discontinue their medication abruptly as this can cause pregnancy complication such as miscarriage or still-birth. Tapering should be slow and under medical supervision to avoid serious adverse events to the fetus.

Labour, Delivery and Nursing Women: Since opioids can cross the placental barrier and are excreted in breast milk, HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are contraindicated in nursing women and during labour and delivery. Life-threatening respiratory depression can occur in the infant if opioids are administered to the mother. Naloxone, a drug that counters the effects of opioids, should be readily available if HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are used in this population.

Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): The safety and efficacy of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride has not been studied in the pediatric population. Therefore, use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range and titrated slowly, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Pregnant Women: Data are limited regarding the relative safety of siOAT with HYDROmorphone in pregnant women with severe opioid use disorder who have been continuing to inject illicit opioids, and for whom treatment options such as methadone have been ineffective.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): Supervised injectable agonist therapy with HYDROmorphone for severe opioid use disorder has not been evaluated in patients older than 65 years. Caution is advised, in recognition of the likelihood of concomitant disease and drug therapies and the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function.

Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): The safety and efficacy of siOAT with HYDROmorphone for severe opioid use disorder have not been studied in the pediatric population, therefore HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are not indicated as siOAT in patients under 18 years of age.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment:

General

The pharmacokinetics of HYDROmorphone following an oral administration of HYDROmorphone at a single 4 mg dose (2 mg HYDROmorphone immediate-release tablets) are affected by hepatic impairment. Mean exposure to HYDROmorphone (C_max and AUC_∞) is increased 4-fold in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh Group B) hepatic impairment compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. The pharmacokinetics of HYDROmorphone in patients with severe hepatic impairment has not been studied. A further increase in C_max and AUC of HYDROmorphone in this group is expected and should be taken into consideration when selecting a starting dose.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

In the Phase 3 clinical trial which demonstrated the efficacy of injectable HYDROmorphone in siOAT for patients with severe, refractory opioid use disorder, patients were excluded if they had a serum bilirubin >2.5 x normal or Stage II or greater hepatic encephalopathy.

Caution should be exercised in prescribing siOAT to patients with chronic hepatic disease. Oral treatment options should be preferentially prescribed in individuals with greater degrees of hepatic impairment.

Patients with Renal Impairment:

General

The pharmacokinetics of HYDROmorphone following an oral administration of

HYDROmorphone at a single 4 mg dose (2 mg HYDROmorphone immediate-release tablets) are affected by renal impairment. Mean exposure to HYDROmorphone (C_max and AUC_0-∞) is increased by 2-fold in patients with moderate (CLcr = 40 - 60 mL/min) renal impairment and increased by 4-fold in patients with severe (CLcr < 30 mL/min) renal impairment compared with normal subjects (CLcr > 80 mL/min). In addition, in patients with severe renal impairment, HYDROmorphone appeared to be more slowly eliminated with a longer terminal elimination half-life (40 hr) compared to patients with normal renal function (15 hr).

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Caution should be exercised in prescribing siOAT to patients with chronic renal disease.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse Drug Reaction Overview

The adverse effects of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) are similar to those of other opioid analgesics and represent an extension of pharmacological effects of the drug class. The major hazards include respiratory depression, central nervous system depression and apnea. To a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest have occurred.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy and Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid agonist treatment is designed to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms and signs include lacrimation, rhinorrhea, sneezing, yawning, excessive perspiration, gooseflesh, fever, chilliness alternating with flushing, restlessness, irritability, weakness, anxiety, depression, dilated pupils, tremors, tachycardia, abdominal cramps, body aches, involuntary twitching and kicking movements, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal spasms, and weight loss. Withdrawal symptoms should be recognized and managed accordingly.

The most frequently observed adverse effects of HYDROmorphone are constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and hyperhidrosis.

Sedation: Sedation is a common side effect of opioid analgesics, especially in opioid naïve individuals. Sedation may also occur partly because patients often recuperate from prolonged fatigue after the relief of persistent pain. Most patients develop tolerance to the sedative effects of opioids within three to five days and, if the sedation is not severe, will not require any treatment except reassurance. If excessive sedation persists beyond a few days, the dose of the opioid should be reduced and alternate causes investigated. Some of these are: concurrent CNS depressant medication, hepatic or renal dysfunction, brain metastases, hypercalcemia and respiratory failure. If it is necessary to reduce the dose, it can be carefully increased again after three or four days if it is obvious that the pain is not being well controlled. Dizziness and unsteadiness may be caused by postural hypotension, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients, and may be alleviated if the patient lies down.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is a common side effect on initiation of therapy with opioid analgesics and is thought to occur by activation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone, stimulation of the vestibular apparatus and through delayed gastric emptying. The prevalence of nausea declines following continued treatment with opioid analgesics. When instituting prolonged therapy with an opioid for chronic pain, the routine prescription of an antiemetic should be considered. In the cancer patient, investigation of nausea should include such causes as constipation, bowel obstruction, uremia, hypercalcemia, hepatomegaly, tumor invasion of celiac plexus and concurrent use of drugs with emetogenic properties. Persistent nausea which does not respond to dosage reduction may be caused by opioid-induced gastric stasis and may be accompanied by other symptoms including anorexia, early satiety, vomiting and abdominal fullness. These symptoms respond to chronic treatment with gastrointestinal prokinetic agents.

Constipation: Practically all patients become constipated while taking opioids on a persistent basis. In some patients, particularly the elderly or bedridden, fecal impaction may result. It is essential to caution the patients in this regard and to institute an appropriate regimen of bowel management at the start of prolonged opioid therapy. Stimulant laxatives, stool softeners, and other appropriate measures should be used as required. As fecal impaction may present as overflow diarrhea, the presence of constipation should be excluded in patients on opioid therapy prior to initiating treatment for diarrhea.

The following adverse effects occur with opioid analgesics and include those reported in HYDROmorphone hydrochloride clinical trials, for indications other than siOAT, as well as post-marketing adverse events related to HYDROmorphone. The reactions are categorized by body system and frequency according to the following definitions: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); Very rare (<1/10,000), Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Immune System Disorders:

Not known: Anaphylactic reactions and hypersensitivity reactions (including oropharyngeal swelling)

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders:

Common: decreased appetite

Psychiatric Disorders:

Common: anxiety, confusional state, insomnia, euphoric mood, dysphoria

Uncommon: agitation, depression, hallucination, nightmares, mood altered

Not known: drug dependence, nervousness, disorientation

Nervous System Disorders:

Very common: dizziness, somnolence, sedation

Common: headache

Uncommon: myoclonus, paraesthesia, tremor, presyncope

Rare: lethargy

Not known: convulsions, dyskinesia, hyperalgesia, syncope, increased intracranial pressure, nystagmus

Eye Disorders:

Uncommon: visual impairment

Not known: blurred vision, miosis, diplopia

Cardiac Disorders:

Rare: bradycardia, palpitations, tachycardia

Vascular Disorders:

Very common: flushing

Uncommon: hypotension

Not known: hypertension

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders:

Uncommon: dyspnea

Rare: respiratory depression

Not known: bronchospasm, and laryngospasm

Gastrointestinal Disorders:

Very common: constipation, nausea

Common: abdominal pain, dry mouth, vomiting

Uncommon: diarrhea, dysgeusia

Not known: paralytic ileus

Hepatobiliary Disorders:

Uncommon: hepatic enzymes increased

Not known: biliary colic

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders:

Common: pruritus, hyperhidrosis

Uncommon: rash

Not known: urticaria

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders:

Common: muscle contractions involuntary

Not known: muscle rigidity

Renal and Urinary Disorders:

Uncommon: urinary hesitancy, urinary retention

Reproductive System and Breast Disorders:

Uncommon: erectile dysfunction

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions:

Common: asthenia, injection site reaction, weakness

Uncommon: drug withdrawal syndrome, fatigue, malaise, peripheral edema

Not known: drug tolerance, chills, drug withdrawal syndrome neonatal, feeling abnormal

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT) Adverse Reactions

In the 6-month Phase 3 clinical trial which demonstrated the efficacy of injectable HYDROmorphone in siOAT for patients with severe, refractory opioid use disorder, adverse events considered drug-related occurred in 48% of patients taking HYDROmorphone and serious adverse events considered drug-related occurred in 3% of patients taking HYDROmorphone. In these patients, immediate post-injection reaction or injection site pruritus occurred in 16% of patients and somnolence in 16% of patients. There were serious adverse events of opioid overdose requiring naloxone in 2% of patients.

Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of HYDROmorphone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-Endocrine).

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylactic reaction has been reported with ingredients contained in HYDROmorphone hydrochloride.

There have also been post-marketing reports of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in patients treated with HYDROmorphone (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)).

Androgen deficiency: Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date. Patients presenting with symptoms of androgen deficiency should undergo laboratory evaluation.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Overview

Interaction with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g. other opioids, sedatives/hypnotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, phenothiazines, neuroleptics, antihistamines, antiemetics, and alcohol) as well as beta-blockers, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neurologic, Interactions with CNS Depressants (including benzodiazepines and alcohol) and Psychomotor Impairment). HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be administered when alcohol is consumed as this may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Administration with Mixed Activity Agonist/Antagonist Opioids:

Analgesia

Mixed agonist/antagonist opioid analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol, and buprenorphine) should be administered with caution to a patient who has received or is receiving a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic such as HYDROmorphone. In this situation, mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect of HYDROmorphone and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in these patients.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

The use of mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist analgesics in patients receiving siOAT with HYDROmorphone may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

MAO Inhibitors: MAO Inhibitors intensify the effects of opioid drugs which can cause anxiety, confusion and decreased respiration. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte is contraindicated in patients receiving MAO Inhibitors or who have used them within the previous 14 days (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Serotonergic Agents: Coadministration of HYDROmorphone with a serotonergic agent, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neurologic).

Drug-Herb Interactions

Interactions with herbal products have not been established.

Drug-Laboratory Interactions

Interactions with laboratory tests have not been established.

Drug-Lifestyle Interactions

The concomitant use of alcohol should be avoided (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, General).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosing Considerations

Analgesia

• For acute pain, it is recommended that HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte be used for a maximum of 7 days at the lowest dose that provides adequate pain relief.

• All doses of opioids carry an inherent risk of fatal or non-fatal adverse events. This risk is increased with higher doses. For the management of chronic non-cancer, non-palliative pain, it is recommended that 13.5 mg (90 mg morphine milligram equivalent) of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte not be exceeded. Each patient should be assessed for their risk prior to prescribing HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte as the likelihood of experiencing serious adverse events can depend upon the type of opioid,

  HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are highly concentrated solutions of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride. They should be used only in opioid tolerant patients requiring high doses or high concentrations of opioid agonists. Do not confuse HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte with the lower concentration of the HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection, 2 mg/mL Sterile Solution for Injection since overdosage and death could result.

  • duration of treatment, level of pain as well as the patient’s own level of tolerance. In addition, the level of pain should be assessed routinely to confirm the most appropriate dose and the need for further use of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION -Adjustment or reduction of Dosage).
• HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10,HP 50 and HP Forte should only be used in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective or not tolerated (e.g., non-opioid analgesics).
• HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) should be used with caution within 12 hours pre-operatively and within the first 12-24 hours post-operatively (see WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS, Peri-Operative Considerations).
• See Recommended Dose and Dose Adjustment –Analgesia.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

• Dosing must be individualized for each patient. Patients prescribed HYDROmorphone for supervised injectable opioid agonist therapy of severe, refractory opioid use disorder should be carefully monitored and provided appropriate supportive psychological and social services.
• Prescribers should be experienced in siOAT, and are referred to regional and/or national clinical treatment guidelines regarding recommended dosing protocols.
• See Recommended Dose and Dose Adjustment – siOAT.

Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

Analgesia

High concentration HYDROmorphone preparations are indicated for relief of severe pain in opioid tolerant patients. Thus, these patients will already have received opioid analgesics. If the patient is being changed from one injectable form of HYDROmorphone to higher concentration HYDROmorphone preparations, similar doses should be used, depending on the patient's clinical response to the drug. If high concentration HYDROmorphone preparations are substituted for a different opioid analgesic, Table 1 is provided as a guide to determine the approximate equivalent dose of HYDROmorphone. Further dose reductions should be considered due to incomplete cross-tolerance between opioids.

Opioid Rotation in Analgesia: Conversion ratios for opioids are subject to variations in kinetics governed by genetics and other factors. When switching from one opioid to another, consider reducing the calculated dose by 25-50% to minimize the risk of overdose. Subsequently, up-titrate the dose, as required, to reach the appropriate maintenance dose.

Table 1: Opioid Analgesics – Approximate Analgesic Equivalences^a

Footnotes:

• a. References:

  Expert Advisory Committee on the Management of Severe Chronic Pain in Cancer Patients, Health and Welfare Canada. Cancer pain: A monograph on the management of cancer pain. Ministry of Supplies and Services Canada, 1987. Cat. No. H42-2/5-1984E.

  Foley KM. The treatment of cancer pain. New Engl. J. Med. 1985;313(2):84-95.

  Aronoff GM, Evans WO. Pharmacological management of chronic pain: A review. In: Aronoff GM, editor. Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Pain, 2nd Ed. Baltimore (MD): Williams and Wilkins, 1992. p. 359-68.

  Cherny, NI. and Portenoy, RK. Practical issues in the management of cancer pain. In: Wall PD, Melzack R, editors. Textbook of Pain, 3rd Ed. P.H. Wall and R. Melzack (Eds.) New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1994. p. 1437-67.

• b. Most of this data were derived from single-dose, acute pain studies and should be considered an approximation for selection of doses when treating chronic pain. As analgesic conversion factors are approximate and patient response may vary, dosing should be individualized according to relief of pain and side effects. Because of incomplete cross-tolerance, dose reductions of 25-50% of the equianalgesic dose may be appropriate in some patients when converting from one opioid to another, particularly at high doses.^† Upward titration may be required to reach appropriate maintenance doses.

  ^†Levy MH. Pharmacologic treatment of cancer pain. New Engl. J. Med. 1996;335:1124-32.

• c. For acute pain, the oral or rectal dose of morphine is six times the injectable dose. However, for chronic dosing, clinical experience indicates that this ratio is 2 - 3:1 (i.e., 20-30 mg of oral or rectal morphine is equivalent to 10 mg of parenteral morphine).
• d. Based on single entity oral oxycodone in acute pain.
• e. Extremely variable equianalgesic dose. Patients should undergo individualized titration starting at an equivalent to 1/10 of the morphine dose.
• f. Not recommended for the management of chronic pain.
• g. Mixed agonist-antagonists can precipitate withdrawal in patients on pure opioid agonists.

Dose Titration in Analgesia: Dose titration is the key to success with opioid analgesic therapy. Proper optimization of doses scaled to the relief of the individual’s pain should aim at the administration of the lowest dose which will achieve the overall treatment goal of satisfactory pain relief with acceptable side effects.

Dosage adjustments should be based on the patient’s clinical response.

Adjustment or Reduction of Dosage in Analgesia:

Physical dependence with or without psychological dependence tends to occur with chronic administration of opioids, including HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte. Withdrawal (abstinence) symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy. These symptoms may include body aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness or restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, tremors or shivering, stomach cramps, tachycardia, trouble with sleeping, unusual increase in sweating, palpitations, unexplained fever, weakness and yawning.

Following successful relief of severe pain, periodic attempts to reduce the opioid dose should be made. Smaller doses or complete discontinuation may become feasible due to a change in the patient’s condition or mental state. Patients on prolonged therapy should be withdrawn gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. In patients who are appropriately treated with opioid analgesics and who undergo gradual withdrawal for the drug, these symptoms are usually mild (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Tapering should be individualized and carried out under medical supervision.

Patients should be informed that reducing and/or discontinuing opioids decreases their tolerance to these drugs. If treatment needs to be re-initiated, the patient must start at the lowest dose and titrate up to avoid overdose.

Opioid analgesics may only be partially effective in relieving dysesthetic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, stabbing pains, activity-related pain and some forms of headache. That is not to say that patients with advanced cancer suffering from some of these forms of pain should not be given an adequate trial of opioid analgesics, but it may be necessary to refer such patients at an early time to other forms of pain therapy.

A gradual increase in dose may be required if analgesia is inadequate, tolerance occurs, or if pain severity increases. The first sign of tolerance is usually a reduced duration of effect.

Supervised Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (siOAT)

Initiation and titration of HYDROmorphone should be done carefully and individually to minimize hazards, particularly those related to opioid overdose.

In the phase 3 clinical trial which demonstrated the efficacy of supervised injectable HYDROmorphone for severe, refractory opioid use disorder, by the end of the titration period HYDROmorphone was dosed up to three times per day, supplemented with oral methadone as needed. Following titration, the average total daily dose of HYDROmorphone received in the trial was approximately 261 mg per day. Serious adverse events in the trial were not confined to the titration phase, indicating that patient supervision and monitoring remains essential throughout treatment to minimize serious risks associated with injectable HYDROmorphone use in siOAT.

Missed Dose / Treatment Interruption

Withdrawal symptoms may occur following missed doses and are expected after abrupt discontinuation of therapy. If siOAT is interrupted, re-initiation of dose titration may be necessary, starting at a decreased dose, for patient safety, since rapid loss of tolerance may occur, posing a significant risk of overdose. Prescribers are referred to regional and/or national clinical treatment guidelines regarding recommended dosing protocols, including missed dose protocols.

Prescribers are also referred to the Product Monographs for methadone products indicated for treatment of opioid use disorder, as appropriate.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment:

Due to increased exposure of HYDROmorphone, patients with moderate hepatic impairment should be started at one-fourth to one-half the recommended starting dose depending on the degree of hepatic dysfunction and closely monitored during dose titration.

Patients with Renal Impairment:

Start patients with renal impairment on one-fourth to one-half the usual starting dose depending on the degree of impairment. Patients with renal impairment should be closely monitored during dose titration.

Geriatrics:

Respiratory depression has occurred in the elderly following administration of large initial doses of opioids to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that can depress respiration. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte should be initiated at a low dose and slowly titrated to effect (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

Administration

General

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte sterile solution for injection are to be visually inspected prior to use. Only clear solutions practically free from particles should be used. The injection should be given immediately after opening the ampoule/vial. Once opened, any unused portion should be discarded.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride has been reported to be physically or chemically incompatible with solutions containing sodium bicarbonate and thiopental sodium.

Rapid intravenous injection of opioid analgesics increases the possibility of hypotension and respiratory depression.

In open clinical trials with HYDROmorphone in patients with terminal cancer, both subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of HYDROmorphone were well-tolerated, with minimal pain and/or burning at the injection site. Mild erythema was rarely noted after intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous injections of HYDROmorphone were particularly well-tolerated when administered with a short, 30 gauge needle. In addition, continuous subcutaneous infusions of HYDROmorphone have been shown to be well-tolerated. The most common adverse reaction is local tissue redness which can be relieved with more frequent site changes.

Experience with administration of HYDROmorphone by the intravenous route is limited. Should intravenous administration be necessary for analgesia, the injection should be given slowly, over at least 2 to 3 minutes. Rapid intravenous injection of opioid analgesics increases the possibility of hypotension and respiratory depression. The intravenous route is usually painless.

Disposal

General

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be kept in a safe place, such as under lock and out of the sight and reach of children before, during and after use. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be used in front of children, since they may copy these actions.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should never be disposed of in household trash. Disposal via a pharmacy take back program is recommended. Unused or expired HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should be properly disposed of as soon as it is no longer needed to prevent accidental exposure to others, including children or pets. HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte should not be shared with others and steps should be taken to protect it from theft or misuse. The patient should speak to their pharmacist about temporary storage options, if required, until the medication can be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms: Serious overdosage with HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) is characterized by respiratory depression (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), dizziness, confusion, extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, pneumonia aspiration, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdosage, particularly following intravenous injection, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur.

Treatment: In the treatment of overdosage, primary attention should be given to the re- establishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. It should be borne in mind that for individuals who are physically dependent on opioids and are receiving large doses of these drugs, the administration of the usual dose of opioid antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. Use of an opioid antagonist in such persons should be avoided. If necessary to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, the antagonist should be administered with extreme care and by titration, commencing with 10 to 20% of the usual recommended initial dose.

Respiratory depression which may result from overdosage, or unusual sensitivity to HYDROmorphone in a non-opioid-tolerant patient, can be managed with the opioid antagonist naloxone. A dose of naloxone (usually 0.4 to 2.0 mg) should be administered intravenously, if possible, simultaneously with respiratory resuscitation. The dose can be repeated in 3 minutes. Naloxone should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or

For management of a suspected drug overdose, contact your Regional Poison Control Centre immediately.

cardiovascular depression. Naloxone should be administered cautiously to persons who are known or suspected to be physically dependent on HYDROmorphone. In such cases, an abrupt or complete reversal of opioid effects may precipitate an acute abstinence syndrome.

Since the duration of action of HYDROmorphone may exceed that of the antagonist, the patient should be kept under continued surveillance; repeated doses of the antagonist may be required to maintain adequate respiration. Other supportive measures should be applied when indicated.

Supportive measures, including oxygen and vasopressors, should be employed in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema accompanying overdose, as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias may require cardiac massage or defibrillation.

ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism of Action

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte (HYDROmorphone hydrochloride) are hydrogenated ketones of morphine. They are opioid analgesics with many of the effects common to the class of drugs.

Opioid analgesics have multiple actions but exert their primary effects on the central nervous system and organs containing smooth muscle. The principal actions of therapeutic value are analgesia and sedation. Opioid analgesics also suppress the cough reflex and cause respiratory depression, mood changes, mental clouding, euphoric mood, dysphoria, nausea, vomiting, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, pinpoint constriction of the pupils, increased biliary tract pressure, increased parasympathetic activity and transient hyperglycemia.

The precise mode of analgesic action of opioid analgesics is unknown. However, specific CNS opiate receptors have been identified. Opioids are believed to express their pharmacological effects by combining with these receptors.

Pharmacodynamics

The relationship between plasma concentration of HYDROmorphone and analgesic effect has not been well established. In patients with chronic pain, HYDROmorphone should be titrated to the dose required to adequately relieve pain without unmanageable side effects. There is no intrinsic limit to the analgesic effect of HYDROmorphone; adequate doses will relieve even the most severe pain. Clinically, however, dosage limitations are imposed by the adverse effects, primarily respiratory depression; nausea and vomiting which can result from high doses.

Cardiovascular System:

HYDROmorphone may produce release of histamine with or without associated peripheral vasodilation. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilatation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, hyperhidrosis and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Central Nervous System:

HYDROmorphone produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centres. The respiratory depression involves both a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem centres to increases in CO₂ tension and to electrical stimulation.

HYDROmorphone depresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough centre in the medulla. Antitussive effects may occur with doses lower than those usually required for analgesia.

HYDROmorphone causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origin may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in the setting of HYDROmorphone overdose.

Endocrine System:

Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical signs and symptoms may be manifest from these hormonal changes.

Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle:

HYDROmorphone causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

Hepatobiliary System:

Opioids may induce biliary spasm.

Immune System:

In vitro and animal studies indicate that opioids have a variety of effects on immune functions, depending on the context in which they are used. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Following intravenous administration of HYDROmorphone to normal volunteers, the mean t^1/2 of elimination was 2.65 +/- 0.88 hours. The mean volume of distribution was 91.5 liters, suggesting extensive tissue uptake. HYDROmorphone is rapidly removed from the bloodstream and distributed to skeletal muscle, kidneys, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen and brain. It also crosses the placental membranes.

Metabolism: In normal human volunteers, HYDROmorphone is metabolized primarily in the liver.

Elimination: It is excreted predominantly as the glucuronidated conjugate, with small amounts of parent drug and minor amounts of 6-hydroxy reduction metabolites.

Estimates of the relative analgesic potency of parenterally administered HYDROmorphone to morphine in acute pain studies in man range from approximately 7:1 to 11:1. After intramuscular administration, HYDROmorphone has a slightly more rapid onset and slightly shorter duration of action than morphine. The duration of analgesia in the non-tolerant patient with usual doses may be up to 4 to 5 hours. However, in opioid tolerant subjects, duration of analgesia will vary substantially depending on tolerance and dose. Dose should be adjusted so that 3 to 4 hours of pain relief may be achieved.

Special Populations and Conditions

Pediatrics:

Individuals under 18 years of age should not use HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 or HP Forte.

STORAGE AND STABILITY

Store between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from light. Do not use beyond the expiry date indicated on the label. Discard unused portion.

SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

Not applicable.

DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

Composition:

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10: Each mL contains 10 mg of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride, 6.2 mg of sodium chloride, 2.28 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, 2.18 mg of citric acid monohydrate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH and water for injection.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 50: Each mL contains 50 mg of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride, 0.5 mg of sodium chloride, 2.28 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, 2.18 mg of citric acid monohydrate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH and water for injection.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP Forte: Each mL contains 100 mg of HYDROmorphone hydrochloride, 2.28 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, 2.18 mg of citric acid monohydrate, 0.5 mg of edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH and water for injection.

Packaging:

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10 (10 mg/mL) is available in boxes of 10, 1 mL ampoules, 10 mL ampoules or 5 mL vials and single 50 mL vials.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 50 (50 mg/mL) is available in boxes of 10, 1 mL vials or single 50 mL vials.

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP Forte (100 mg/mL) is available in 10 mL single use vials, boxes of 1.

Dilution for Intravenous Use:

HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte may be diluted for IV infusion in 5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or Ringer's Injection. The diluted preparations are chemically stable for 24 hours at room temperature when diluted to 0.08 mg/mL with 5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or Ringer’s Injection.

All presentations of HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride Injection HP 10, HP 50 and HP Forte are for single use only. Discard any unused portions.

PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance

Proper Name: HYDROmorphone Hydrochloride

Chemical Name: 4,5α-Epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride

Molecular Formula and Molecular Mass: C₁₇H₁₉NO₃·HCl 321.8 g/mol

Structural Formula:

Figure 1: Structural formula

Physicochemical Properties: HYDROmorphone hydrochloride is a hydrogenated ketone of morphine.

Appearance: Fine, white or off white-crystalline powder.

Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol (96% and practically insoluble in dichloromethane)

Melting Point: Decomposes above 300°C

pKa: 8.2 (20°C)