Warning: Serious And Life-Threatening Risks From Use Of Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Because the use of Tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets are essential. Instruct patients to swallow tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose of tramadol. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of even one dose of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of tramadol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be lifethreatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Ultra-Rapid Metabolism Of Tramadol And Other Risk Factors For Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression In Children
Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received tramadol. Some of the reported cases followed tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy; in at least one case, the child had evidence of being an ultra-rapid metabolizer of tramadol due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy [see Contraindications (4)]. Avoid the use of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of tramadol. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
Interactions with Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes
The effects of concomitant use or discontinuation of cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers, 3A4 inhibitors, or 2D6 inhibitors with tramadol are complex. Use of cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers, 3A4 inhibitors, or 2D6 inhibitors with tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets requires careful consideration of the effects on the parent drug, tramadol, and the active metabolite, M1 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Drug Interactions (7)].