Why is this medication prescribed?  

Rectal morphine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Morphine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the body senses pain.

How should this medicine be used?  

Rectal morphine comes as a suppository to insert in the rectum. It is usually inserted every 4 hours. Use rectal morphine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use morphine exactly as directed.

Your doctor may adjust your dose of morphine during your treatment to control your pain as well as possible. If you feel that your pain is not controlled, call your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medication without talking to your doctor.

Morphine may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop using morphine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop using morphine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety; sweating; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; chills; shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control; upset stomach; diarrhea; runny nose, sneezing or coughing; hair on your skin standing on end; or hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist).

To use the suppositories, follow these steps:

• Remove the wrapper.
• Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
• Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
• Using your finger, insert the suppository about 1 inch into the rectum.
• Hold it in place with your finger for a few moments
• Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal activities.

Other uses for this medicine  

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Store rectal morphine in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Keep track of how many suppositories are left so you will know if any are missing.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
• blue or purple color to the skin
• drowsiness
• loss of consciousness
• limp muscles
• cold, clammy skin
• slow heartbeat
• blurred vision
• upset stomach
• fainting

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

This prescription is not refillable. If you are taking morphine to control your pain on a long-term basis, be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor so that you do not run out of medication. If you are taking morphine on a short term basis, call your doctor if you continue to experience pain after you finish the medication.

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