ExalgoIf you have moderate to severe pain, you may be prescribed Exalgo. You may also be familiar with its generic name,Hydromorphone. Exalgo is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it maycause illness or injury.To understand how Exalgo works, let’s look at how pain affects your body.Thousands of tiny nerve cells in your body sense many feelings, like cold, heat, pressure, and pain. When your bodyis injured, the tiny nerve cells send a message to your brain that says: ‘I’m in pain here!’Exalgo works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.Exalgo is an extended release medication and is prescribed for pain that is always there. It is not used to treat painthat comes and goes. Exalgo comes in a tablet with 8, 12 or 16 milligram dosages. Make sure you understand exactlywhat you are taking and how much you are supposed to take to avoid injury.Exalgo is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Exalgo if you are allergic to theingredients in it.If you have asthma, other breathing problems or a blockage in your stomach or intestines, tell your healthcareprovider.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Exalgo. It may harmyour baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Exalgo.Before taking Exalgo, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: head injury and stroke; liver, kidney orthyroid problems; problems urinating; stomach problems; and pancreas or gallbladder problems.Exalgo can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of street drugs, prescription medications or alcohol, tellyour healthcare provider. There may be a different medication available for you.Some side effects of Exalgo include: constipation, nausea, stomach pain, headache, sleepiness, vomiting, anddizziness.If you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Exalgo. Get up from a sitting or lying positionslowly.Page 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005696 EN Exalgo.pdf© The Wellness NetworkExalgoDo not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know how Exalgo affects you.Do not drink alcohol while taking Exalgo. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause serious sideeffects leading to death.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling in your face or throat, call 911.If you have: weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, extreme tiredness, or feel like you may pass out,call your healthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with your healthcareprovider.Take Exalgo exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer than prescribed.Always swallow the pill whole with plenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve this medication.Exalgo should be taken at the same time every day. You may want to set an alert on your phone so you don’t forget.If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose. Return toyour normal medication schedule as soon as possible.If you think you have taken too much Exalgo, call 911. An overdose of Exalgo can cause serious breathing problemsthat can lead to death.Store Exalgo away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicine cabinet is not the best placebecause of moisture. Do not leave your medication where it can get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to prevent accidents.Because Exalgo is a narcotic that can cause dependency, it can be a very desirable drug to addicts. Lock thismedication up to prevent stealing and abuse.When you are done taking Exalgo crush all of your remaining tablets and mix them with undesirable trash like kittylitter or coffee grounds.Page 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005696 EN Exalgo.pdf© The Wellness NetworkExalgoDo not sell or give your Exalgo to anyone else. It is against the law and can seriously harm anyone else taking it.Contact your local police station for more information on proper disposal directions.Exalgo can help relieve your pain. But it is a powerful medication that should only be taken exactly as prescribed. Ifyou have any questions about Exalgo, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.Page 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005696 EN Exalgo.pdf© The Wellness Network
