Intravenous (IV) Opana Use | Dangers Of Injecting Oxymorphone

Oxymorphone (Opana ER) is a Schedule II controlled substance that is taken orally. It is part of the drug class opioid analgesics. This drug is primarily prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. 

While this prescription opioid is effective in treating those suffering from chronic pain, it has the potential to be abused. Opana ER can enter the body in a variety of ways, but many addicted to the drug turn to intravenous use.

Opana ER can be injected intravenously, but it poses many health risks and could result in death without proper medical supervision.

Effects Of Injecting Oxymorphone

Injecting oxymorphone or engaging in Opana ER misuse can make you experience adverse side effects such as:

• mood changes
• abdominal pain
• fluctuating heart rate
• vision problems
• respiratory depression
• cardiac arrest

Any of these side effects can become more severe if you inject the drug often or drink alcohol/take other drugs while on Opana.

Dangers Of Injecting Oxymorphone

Injecting oxymorphone can cause life-threatening side effects, increase the chance of an overdose, and lead to serious drug interactions when combined with other prescription medications such as Oxycontin (oxycodone) or alcohol.

Intravenous Opana ER Abuse

Those addicted to prescription opioids will likely crush, heat, or dissolve the medication so it can be injected into a vein in the body. In various portions of the country, there are several areas and states where opioid abuse, especially Opana ER injection, continues to be the drug of choice. 

Several case reports have examined data from Tennessee in which thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) occurred in those injecting Opana ER. This is a rare and serious blood disorder.

In addition to this, other reports have shown that Opana IV abuse can lead to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). For patients who had recently participated in the intravenous use of oxymorphone, some experienced cardiac fluctuations and kidney injuries.

Possible Opana Drug Interactions

For those taking oxymorphone, you’ll want to speak to a doctor before taking any other drugs. This includes prescription medications. Those seeking pain relief may turn to other drugs, which can cause interactions.

Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other drugs can heighten the side effects of Opana ER, especially if these drugs are also being used intravenously. More sedation can result in respiratory depression, coma, kidney failure, and death.

Oxymorphone Overdose

Injecting Opana ER can easily result in an overdose from frequent drug abuse. Some of the signs of an opioid overdose include:

• numbness in legs and arms
• dizziness
• clammy skin
• irregular heartbeat
• coma 
• pinpoint pupils
• chest pain
• bluish skin

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one struggles with prescription drug use, treatment is available. We offer a variety of facilities, numerous treatment programs, group therapy, and more. To learn more, please connect with our helpline today.