Morphine and Naltrexone (Embeda)
Morphine and naltrexone are two drugs that are used to treat chronic pain. Morphine is an opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, preventing addiction and overdose.
Embeda is a brand name for a combination of morphine and naltrexone in an extended-release capsule. Embeda is designed to release morphine slowly over time, providing long-lasting pain relief. The naltrexone component is inactive unless the capsule is crushed, chewed, or dissolved, which would release a large amount of morphine at once. In that case, the naltrexone would block the morphine effects, discouraging abuse and misuse of the drug.
Embeda is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Embeda is not intended for use as an as-needed analgesic or for acute pain.
Embeda is available in different strengths, ranging from 20 mg/0.8 mg to 100 mg/4 mg of morphine/naltrexone. The dosage of Embeda should be individualized according to the patient’s pain severity, response, prior analgesic experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. Embeda should be taken once or twice daily, with or without food, and swallowed whole with enough water to ensure complete swallowing.
Embeda has a number of potential side effects, some of which are common to all opioids, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and itching. Some side effects are specific to Embeda or its components, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and rash. Embeda may also cause serious or life-threatening complications, such as respiratory depression, addiction, withdrawal, overdose, serotonin syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, and severe hypotension.
Embeda should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney impairment, respiratory disorders, head injury or increased intracranial pressure, seizures, gastrointestinal obstruction or inflammation, urinary retention or prostate enlargement, thyroid dysfunction, or adrenal insufficiency. Embeda may interact with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants. Embeda may also interact with drugs that affect the metabolism of morphine or naltrexone, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort, and grapefruit juice.
Embeda is a prescription drug that requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Embeda is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Embeda should be stored securely and disposed of properly when no longer needed.
Embeda is one of the top five global brands of morphine/naltrexone combination products. The other four are:
- Arymo ER: An extended-release tablet that contains morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride.
- Kadian: An extended-release capsule that contains morphine sulfate pellets with a sequestered naltrexone core.
- Moxduo: An immediate-release capsule that contains morphine sulfate and oxycodone hydrochloride.
- Troxyca ER: An extended-release capsule that contains oxycodone hydrochloride pellets with a sequestered naltrexone core.
The following table shows the price of Embeda in different countries with reference sources:
| Country | Price per capsule (USD) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 8.32 | GoodRx |
| Canada | 6.25 | Pharmacy Compass |
| UK | 5.67 | NHS |
| Australia | 4.83 | PBS |
| UAE | 4.12 | Meddy |
Table title: Price comparison of Embeda in different countries
Embeda is a powerful combination of morphine and naltrexone that can provide effective and safe pain relief for patients with chronic pain. Embeda is one of the leading brands of morphine/naltrexone products in the global market. Embeda should be used as prescribed by a doctor and under close monitoring to avoid potential risks and complications.