MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

FDA issued a public health advisory to notify health care professionals and
consumers that the sponsor of Palladone, Purdue Pharma, has agreed to
suspend sales and marketing of Palladone (hydromorphone hydrochloride,
extended release capsules), a potent narcotic painkiller, because of the
potential for severe side effects if Palladone is taken with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking Palladone may cause rapid release of
hydromorphone, leading to high drug levels in the body, with potentially
fatal effects. High drug levels of hydromorphone may depress or stop
breathing, cause coma, and even cause death.

Read the complete MedWatch 2005 Safety summary, including links to the
PHA,FDA press release, and supplemental information for healthcare
professionals in the Q&A's and Healthcare Professional Information Sheet,
at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2005/safety05.htm#Palladone


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