Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Storage and Disposal: Because of the risks associated with accidental ingestion, misuse, and abuse, advise patients to store tramadol hydrochloride tablets securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.17), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)]. Inform patients that leaving tramadol hydrochloride tablets unsecured can pose a deadly risk to others in the home.
Advise patients and caregivers that when medicines are no longer needed, they should be disposed of promptly. Inform patients that medicine take-back options are the preferred way to safely dispose of most types of unneeded medicines. If no take back programs or Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered collectors are available, instruct patients to dispose of tramadol hydrochloride tablets by following these four steps:
- Mix tramadol hydrochloride tablets (do not crush) with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
- Throw the container in the household trash;
- Delete all personal information on the prescription label of the empty bottle.
Inform patients that they can visit
www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for additional information on disposal of unused medicines.
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Inform patients that the use of tramadol hydrochloride 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 tablets with others and to take steps to protect tramadol hydrochloride 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 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)].
Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Tramadol and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children: Advise caregivers that tramadol hydrochloride 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 ages 12 to 18 years of age receiving tramadol hydrochloride 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 tablets are used with benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, including alcohol, or some illicit drugs 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 opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of 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)].
Seizures: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride 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 tablets while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking tramadol hydrochloride 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 tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
- Advise patients not to adjust the dose of tramadol hydrochloride tablets without consulting with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Important Discontinuation Instructions: In order to avoid developing withdrawal symptoms, instruct patients not to discontinue tramadol hydrochloride tablets without first discussing a tapering plan with the prescriber [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Hypotension: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride 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 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 tablets during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated and that the patient should inform their healthcare provider if they have used opioids at any time during their pregnancy, especially near the time of birth [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5); Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Inform female patients of reproductive potential that tramadol hydrochloride tablets may cause fetal harm and to inform the 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 tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4); 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 Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery: Inform patients that tramadol hydrochloride 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)].
Maximum Single-Dose and 24-Hour Dose: 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 and death [see Dosage and Administration (2); Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].