Opana may be prescribed to treat chronic pain. It is also stronger than many other similar pain reliever drugs, which is why patients should be aware of the potentially harmful effects associated with it. If it causes injury, victims may consult a Long Island attorney for dangerous drug claims to review potential legal options.
Dangerous Side Effects of Opana
Opana is a type of opioid pain medication (narcotic) and may be habit-forming. It shouldn’t be used by anybody other than the person to whom it was prescribed, and patients should always follow the instructions provided to them by their doctor. Alcohol should never be mixed with it, and if there are other medications being taken, the doctor and pharmacist should be made aware.
The following are some of the possible side effects that could develop from taking Opana:
- fainting;
- seizures;
- slowed heart rate;
- confusion; and
- severe dizziness/weakness.
The drug – which may be addicting – can be fatal if the patient overdoses. Patients who suffer serious side effects while taking the medication as directed may consult a Long Island attorney for dangerous drug claims to review potential to recover compensation.
Harmful Interactions with Opana
Patients with certain medical conditions should tell their doctors about them before taking Opana. This is why it’s critical that the doctor who prescribes it has a full medical history on the patient. Failing to obtain one or not taking it into consideration before deciding to prescribe this drug could lead to injuries and, therefore, may result in the doctor being liable.
The following are medical conditions that may prohibit use of Opana:
- severe liver disease;
- past allergic reactions to narcotic medications;
- used an MAO inhibitor in the previous two weeks;
- experiencing an asthma attack; and
- paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction).
There are other medical conditions of which patients should inform their doctor before taking the medication.
Examples of medical conditions that could make it unsafe to take Opana include:
- pancreas disorder;
- digestive tract blockage;
- mental illness;
- low blood pressure;
- enlarged prostate;
- adrenal gland disorder;
- kidney/liver disease;
- gallbladder disease;
- underactive thyroid;
- seizure disorder; and
- breathing disorders (COPD, sleep apnea, asthma).
It is not known if Opana is harmful to a developing fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should thoroughly consult their doctor before taking it. The same is true with women who are breastfeeding, as the drug can pass through the milk.
Patients with compromised immune systems or who are older may be more likely to experience severe side effects. So this should be taken into consideration as well, before prescribing Opana. If patients suspect that medical negligence is to blame for the serious side effects they may consult a Long Island attorney who handles dangerous drug claims.
A Long Island Attorney for Dangerous Drug Claims Determines Liability
If someone experiences severe or life-threatening injuries after taking a potentially dangerous drug, such as Opana, it may lead to a claim. In some cases patients have been able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer who developed the dangerous drug.
In other situations it may be a doctor who is named in a suit. An example would be a doctor who does not take into account a patient’s previous negative reaction to a narcotic drug when prescribing the medication. If the patient then suffers harm, he or she may explore filing a lawsuit against the doctor with help from a Long Island attorney for dangerous drug claims.
Prescribing a dose that is too high or a pharmacist who makes a mistake in compounding the medication are other scenarios where someone might be liable for injuries. Consulting with a Long Island attorney for dangerous drug claims can help an injured person determine if he or she has a viable case for injuries resulting from use of Opana.
