avoid alcohol while taking Avinza or Kadian (long-acting morphine)

December 2005

You'll see new warnings to avoid alcohol while taking Avinza or Kadian (long-acting morphine).

This is different than the usual concern about alcohol adding to the sedative effects of opioids.

Alcohol seems to SPEED morphine release from Kadian and Avinza capsules...leading to a potentially fatal dose of morphine.

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Table of Contents

Electronic prescribing will usher in a new era of "second generation" med errors
Women's Health whether they should stop using the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch
Women's Health new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
Neurology & Pain avoid alcohol while taking Avinza or Kadian (long-acting morphine)
Infectious Diseases FDA says antibacterial soaps and washes aren't any better than plain soap and water for home use
Infectious Diseases Can patients with a penicillin allergy take cephalosporins or other beta-lactam antibiotics
Dyslipidemia whether patients can use other niacin products in place of Niaspan
Diabetes DISPOSABLE blood glucose meter called Sidekick
Cardiology more drug interaction alerts for amiodarone
Concerns about liver toxicity are fueling changes for pemoline and Cymbalta
Combining a triptan and an NSAID is more effective than either drug alone for treating migraines
Supplements Cold-fX prevents the common cold
Supplements Brazilian Diet Pills
people to learn more about their family health history
Practice glucosamine, chondroitin, and selenium for osteoarthritis