Long-acting opioid pain relievers are medicines used to relieve moderate to severe long-term pain. They are also called extended-release opioids. They don't cure a health problem, but they help you manage the pain and function better.
If your short-acting pain medicine is not working, your doctor may give you long-acting opioids. Because of their increased risk of overdose and death, long-acting opioids are usually only given to patients receiving treatment for cancer or end-of-life care.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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