Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is hydromorphone, and it is in a special "extended-release" tablet. It treats severe pain that requires control around-the-clock.

You should take this medicine exactly as directed. You must swallow the tablet whole, and never break, crush, or chew it. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Constipation can occur. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist how to prevent this. You could also feel tired or dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. You should also stand slowly after sitting or lying down. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor says it's okay. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. Get emergency help if you have any unusual changes to your body, like problems breathing, extreme sleepiness, swelling in your face or mouth, or feeling faint. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. 

It's important to always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. Also, you should not drink alcohol. 

This medicine is controlled by federal law. It can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. It can be dangerous to others, so store it in a safe place. After you stop taking it you should dispose of it properly. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal options in your area or go to the FDA.gov website for more information.

Hydromorphone can be harmful to babies. Women must talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant and should not breastfeed.

For best results with hydromorphone, work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that best controls your pain.