Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Inform patients that the use of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Instruct patients not to share tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets with others and to take steps to protect tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets from theft or misuse.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.
Accidental Ingestion: Inform patients that accidental ingestion, especially by children, may result in respiratory depression or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Instruct patients to take steps to store tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets securely and to dispose of unused tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets in accordance with the local state guidelines and/or regulations.
Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Tramadol and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children: Advise caregivers that tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Advise caregivers of children 12 to 18 years of age receiving tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets to monitor for signs of respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants: Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets are used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Drug Interactions (7)].
Serotonin Syndrome: Inform patients that tramadol could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, particularly during concomitant use with serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Drug Interactions (7)].
Seizures: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets may cause seizures with concomitant use of serotonergic agents (including SSRIs, SNRIs, and triptans) or drugs that significantly reduce the metabolic clearance of tramadol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
MAOI Interaction: Inform patients not to take tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Adrenal Insufficiency: Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
Important Administration Instructions: Instruct patients how to properly take tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets, including the following:
- Tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets are designed to work properly only if swallowed intact. Taking cut, broken, chewed, crushed, or dissolved tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets can result in a fatal overdose [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
- Advise patients not to exceed the single-dose and 24-hour dose limit and the time interval between doses, since exceeding these recommendations can result in respiratory depression, seizures, hepatic toxicity, and death [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
- Do not discontinue tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets without first discussing the need for a tapering regimen with the prescriber [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Hypotension: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Instruct patients how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure and how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
Anaphylaxis: Inform patients that anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and when to seek medical attention [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.16), Adverse Reactions (6)].
Pregnancy: Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Inform female patients of reproductive potential that prolonged use of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Inform female patients of reproductive potential that tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets can cause fetal harm and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation: Advise women that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Infertility: Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets may impair the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Advise patients not to perform such tasks until they know how they will react to the medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18)].
Constipation: Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].
Disposal of Unused Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets: Advise patients to throw the unused tramadol hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the household trash following these steps. 1) Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter (this makes the drug less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through the trash seeking drugs). 2) Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the drug from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.