Top Facts for You and Your Family

Many more abuse-deterrent formulations are entering the market to help curb the abuse of immediate-release products. But this does not mean these products are safer. The FDA approved Hysingla ER (hydrocodone bitartrate) in 2014. It is an acetaminophen-free, extended-release (ER) opioid for severe pain requiring daily, long-term treatment and for which no alternatives exist for the patient. The lack of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the product can help to lower the risk of toxicity due to excessive doses of acetaminophen. As with other abuse-deterrent forms, Hysingla ER abuse-deterrent properties may reduce, but not totally prevent, abuse of the drug. People can still abuse it by swallowing the intact tablet. Do not drink alcohol or take benzodiazepines or other nervous system depressant-type medicines with Hysingla ER. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Swallow Hysingla ER whole if you are prescribed this medicine. Do not cut, break, chew, crush, dissolve, snort, or inject Hysingla ER because this may cause you to overdose and die. Crushing, chewing, or dissolving the tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of hydrocodone. The tablet forms a thick gel and cannot be easily prepared for injection, and resists passage through a hypodermic needle. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hysingla ER, and even once dose in a child can be fatal. Keep out of reach and out of sight of children in a secure location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home. The most common side effects of Hysingla ER are constipation, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Other long-acting, but abuse-deterrent, pain medications include: