Clinical Edge

Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions

FDA Approves MorphaBond for Pain

ER tablets have abuse-deterrent properties

Inspirion Delivery Technologies LLC announced that the FDA has approved MorphaBond (morphine sulfate) extended-release tablets for oral use.

Indications: MorphaBond (morphine sulfate) extended-release tablets CII is an opioid agonist indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative options are inadequate. It is not indicated as an as-needed analgesic.

Dosing/Administration: MorphaBond is administered orally every 12 hours and will be available in 15, 30, 60 and 100 mg tablets.

Advantage: MorphaBond is resistant to cutting, crushing, or breaking. When liquefied MorphaBond forms a viscous material that resists passage through a needle. It also appears to retain its long acting properties when intranasal route is attempted.

Warnings/Precautions: MorphaBond contains morphine, a Schedule II substance with a high potential for abuse similar to other opioids. MorphaBond can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion.

Side Effects/Risks: Serious adverse reactions may occur with MorphaBond which include addiction, abuse, and misuse, life-threatening respiratory depression. Most common adverse events with morphine sulfate extended-release tablets include constipation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dysphoria, and euphoric mood.

Source: FDA approves MorphaBond (morphine sulfate) extended-release tablets with abuse-deterrent properties. [news release]. Valley Cottage, NY: Inspirion; October 5, 2015: http://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-morphabond-morphine-sulfate-extended-release-abuse-deterrent-properties-4277.html Accessed October 20, 2015.