MS Contin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

MS Contin Tablet contains morphine sulfate, a strong opioid analgesic, in an extended-release (modified release) tablet form. It is used to manage severe and persistent pain that requires daily, long-term opioid treatment when other pain treatments have failed, are not tolerated, or are not appropriate. It is a Schedule II/Schedule 8 controlled substance available in several strengths and is meant for continuous, around-the-clock pain control rather than as-needed use.

What is MS Contin Tablet

MS Contin is an extended-release (modified release) tablet form of morphine, a strong opioid pain medicine. It is a Schedule II/Schedule 8 controlled substance available in several strengths.

MS Contin Tablet uses

• Manages severe and persistent pain that needs daily, long-term opioid treatment when other pain treatments have failed, are not tolerated, or are not appropriate
• Used only for pain that responds to opioids and needs continuous, long-term treatment
• Not meant to be used as an as-needed (prn) pain reliever

Benefits of MS Contin Tablet

• Provides long-lasting relief of severe, persistent pain that requires an opioid analgesic
• Helps reduce continuous pain intensity when non-opioid treatments are inadequate
• Provides around-the-clock pain control because it is an extended-release formulation
• May improve comfort, sleep, and daily functioning when severe chronic pain is appropriately controlled
• Is used when a patient needs continuous opioid therapy, rather than occasional as-needed pain relief

How MS Contin Tablet works

MS Contin is a full opioid agonist that acts mainly on the mu-opioid receptor, though it can act on other opioid receptors at higher doses. The exact way it works isn't fully known, but it's thought to change how the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

MS Contin Tablet dosage

Take MS Contin exactly as your doctor prescribes and follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take more of it or use it for longer than prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve it. Never crush the tablet to inhale the powder or inject it, as this can be deadly.

Take the tablets about the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly; ask your doctor before stopping, since stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you miss a dose, skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not take two doses at once.

If you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of morphine, your dose needs may change, so use only the medicine your doctor prescribes. Never share this medicine with anyone else.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral tablet, extended (modified) release

Side effects of MS Contin Tablet

Common

• Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, anxiety
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, or constipation
• Sweating, low oxygen levels (shortness of breath), feeling light-headed
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• Headache
• Difficulty urinating
• Becoming extremely sensitive to touch
• Sleep apnoea (temporarily stopping breathing during sleep)

Serious

• Slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats
• Extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out
• Signs of low adrenal hormone levels: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, light-headedness, muscle or joint pain, skin discoloration, craving salty foods
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Sudden onset of red skin with small white bumps
• Light-headedness, fainting, or dizziness especially when standing up
• Changes in mood, feeling disoriented, or having nightmares
• Slow or noticeable heartbeats

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine carries a boxed warning for serious, life-threatening risks including addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, even when taken as prescribed.
• Serious or life-threatening breathing problems that can lead to death can happen, especially when starting the medicine, after a dose change, or with an overdose.
• Do not take this medicine if you have severe asthma or breathing problems, a blockage in the stomach or intestines, or a bowel obstruction.
• Always swallow the tablet whole. Breaking, chewing, crushing, or dissolving it can release the full dose at once, which can be dangerous and even deadly.
• Accidental use or misuse of this medicine, especially by a child or someone without a prescription, can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep it out of reach of others.
• Combining this medicine with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, such as benzodiazepines, can be fatal.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms; ask your doctor before stopping.
• You can become physically dependent on or tolerant to this medicine, and its effect may decrease over time, requiring your doctor to adjust your dose.
• Morphine may harm an unborn baby and can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and do not use it during labor.
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, as morphine passed through breast milk can cause life-threatening side effects in a nursing baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking this medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause dangerous side effects or death.
• Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you, since it can cause dizziness or drowsiness that may lead to falls or accidents.

Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep tablets in the original, tightly closed container.
• Protect from direct light and avoid hot or humid storage areas.
• Store securely to prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, or unauthorized access.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you take too much of this medicine.
• Seek emergency care if you or someone else has slow, unusual, or difficult breathing, drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, slow or weak heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, or convulsions after taking too much of this medicine.
• Get emergency medical help if you show signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A caregiver should give naloxone and/or get emergency help if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or are hard to wake up.
• Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant or feel your pain is getting worse while taking this medicine.
• Call your doctor right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, if you notice serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, fainting, severe stomach pain, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Alternatives

• Fentanyl
• Buprenorphine
• Hydrocodone Extended-Release
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone Extended-Release