Generic Name: TAPENTADOL - ORAL
Pronounced: (ta-PEN-ta-dol)

Nucynta Oral Precautions

Before taking tapentadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• lung problems (such as respiratory depression, asthma)
• intestinal/bowel disorders (such as paralytic ileus, gallbladder disease)
• brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis)
• personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances
• a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis)
• underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of side effects.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially slow/shallow breathing, constipation, and drowsiness.

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may slightly increase the risk of birth defects if used during the first two months of pregnancy. Also, using it for a long time or in high doses near the expected delivery date may harm the unborn baby. To lessen the risk, take the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any symptoms in your newborn baby such as slow/shallow breathing, irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Nucynta Oral Side Effects

Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

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