Diskets Dispersible (Oral)

Deaths due to too-rapid titration, drug interactions, or cardiac and respiratory side effects have occurred with methadone use for opioid dependence. Respiratory depression is the main hazard associated with methadone administration. QT interval prolongation and serious arrhythmias (torsades de pointes) have been observed during treatment with methadone. Only approved hospitals and pharmacies can dispense oral methadone for the treatment of narcotic addiction .

Warning: Addiction, Abuse And Misuse; Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression; Accidental Ingestion; Life-Threatening QT Prolongation; Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome; Interactions With Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes; Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants; And Treatment For Opioid AddictionAddiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Methadone hydrochloride tablets expose 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 methadone hydrochloride tablets, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions .Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of methadone hydrochloride tablets. The peak respiratory depressant effect of methadone occurs later, and persists longer than the peak analgesic effect, especially during the initial dosing period or following a dose increase. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of methadone hydrochloride tablets or following a dose increase. Proper dosing and titration are essential and methadone hydrochloride should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the use of methadone for toxification and maintenance treatment of opioid addiction .Accidental Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of even one dose of methadone hydrochloride tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of methadone .Life-Threatening QT Prolongation: QT interval prolongation and serious arrhythmia (torsades de pointes) have occurred during treatment with methadone. Most cases involve patients being treated for pain with large, multiple daily doses of methadone, although cases have been reported in patients receiving doses commonly used for maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. Closely monitor patients with risk factors for development of prolonged QT interval, a history of cardiac conduction abnormalities, and those taking medications affecting cardiac conduction for changes in cardiac rhythm during initiation and titration of methadone hydrochloride tablets Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is an expected and treatable outcome of use of methadone hydrochloride tablets during pregnancy. NOWS may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in the neonate. The balance between the risks of NOWS and the benefits of maternal methadone hydrochloride use may differ based on the risks associated with the mother’s under