Numorphan and Ponstel

• Generic Name: oxymorphone
• Dosage Forms: Suppositories and Injection, USP CII
• Other Brand Names: Opana, Opana ER, Numorphan HCl

Oxymorphone injection is used to treat moderate to severe pain, including labor pain. It may also be given before surgery or with a general anesthetic (medicine that puts you to sleep), and may be used to relieve anxiety for patients with breathing problems from pulmonary edema caused by heart disease.

Oxymorphone belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

When oxymorphone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: mefenamic acid
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Ponstel

Ponstel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ponstel is used short-term (7 days or less) to treat mild to moderate pain in adults and children who are at least 14 years old. This medicine is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Ponstel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.