Zohydro ER | Hydrocodone bitartrate extended release capsules 

Medication Class: Opioid analgesic
Manufacturer: Zogenix, Inc.
Approval Date: October 25, 2013

What is Zohydro ER 

Zohydro ER contains hydrocodone which is a strong, long-acting narcotic pain reliever similar to oxycodone (Oxycontin), fentanyl, and morphine. It binds to opiate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) including brain and spinal cord to alter how the body responds to pain.

What is Zohydro ER used for

Zohydro is an oral prescription medication used to treat constant pain. This drug is only approved for very severe and long-term pain that cannot be relieved by other drugs. 

How well does Zohydro ER work

In a clinical study of Zohydro ER in 302 subjects with moderate to severe chronic low back pain treatment with Zohydro ER showed at least a 30% greater improvement in pain intensity as compared to placebo (67.5% vs. 31.1%) after 12 weeks.  

What are interesting facts about Zohydro ER

• Zohydro ER is a schedule II controlled medication. It is the first extended-release hydrocodone formulation that does not contain acetaminophen.
• Zohydro ER is not used as needed like other hydrocodone-containing products.
• It is equal to oxycodone and methadone in strength.
• Zohydro ER is has a high abuse potential, just like oxycodone and other opioids, and there are petitions for the FDA to withdraw it from the market.
• There is currently no generic version of Zohydro ER in the United States.

Also Read: Zohydro Ban and Backlash are Based on Fiction not Facts

What is the dosage of Zohydro ER

Zohydro ER is available in strengths of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 50 mg capsules.

Capsules should be swallowed whole with a lot of water every 12 hours. Do not chew, break, crush or dissolve before swallowing.

Start with 10 mg every 12 hours and increase by 10 mg every 12 hours every 3 to 7 days to achieve adequate pain control. 

Zohydro ER may be taken with or without food at the same time of day. Take with food if stomach upset occurs.

What are the side effects of Zohydro ER

Constipation (If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, contact your doctor).

Nausea

Drowsiness (Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery)

Tiredness

Headache

Dizziness

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Zohydro ER may cause dangerous breathing problems. If you have slow or trouble breathing, seek medical care right away.

Zohydro ER exposes patients to the risks of abuse and addiction. Due to its formulation, abuse of this product can include crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting, which may result in severe overdose or death. All patients should be monitored for signs of abuse, addiction, and misuse. Suddenly stopping Zohydro ER after long periods of usage may cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Using this drug during pregnancy for a long time may cause the baby to become dependent and experience life threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Zohydro ER Drug Interactions

Zohydro ER should not be taken with inhibitors of liver enzymes (e.g., atazanavir, bromocriptine, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin) that decrease breakdown of hydrocodone. Such combinations may result in large increases in drug concentration of hydrocodone leading to increased side effects.

Zohydro ER should not be taken with drugs (e.g., phenytoin, rifapentine, rifabutin) that increase the breakdown of hydrocodone in the liver. Such combinations may decrease blood levels and effects of hydrocodone.

Zohydro ER should not be taken with some drugs that affect the brain (e.g., alprazolam diazepam, zolpidem) or alcohol. Such combinations may intensify the effects of hydrocodone leading to decreased rate of breathing, low blood pressure, sedation or death.

Zohydro ER should not be taken with buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, or pentazocine. Such combinations may decrease the pain relieving effect of Zohydro ER.

Taking Zohydro ER within 14 days with certain drugs such as phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, tranylcypromine can cause confusion and severe high blood pressure.

What is the cost of Zohydro ER Strengths

Zohydro ER 10 mg (100): $702.00

Zohydro ER 15 mg (100): $750.00

Zohydro ER 20 mg (100): $774.00

Zohydro ER 30 mg (100): $798.00

Zohydro ER 40 mg (100): $822.00

Zohydro ER 50 mg (100): $858.00

How to obtain prescription cost assistance for Zohydro ER

Use the following resources for Zohydro ER cost assistance:

Partnership for Prescription Assistance.  http://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs

Good Rx. http://www.goodrx.com/zohydro-er

References

Zohydro ER (Hydrocodone) Prescribing Information.

Lexicomp Retrieved on March 12, 2014.

Up-to-date Retrieved on March 19, 2014.