Diamorphine pour le soulagement de la douleur

About diamorphine

What is diamorphine used for?

Diamorphine is a analgésique opioïde puissant used in particular to treat pain after a surgical operation and pain caused by le cancer.

It may also be used following a crise cardiaque, or for breathlessness caused by fluid in the lungs. It works on your nervous system and brain to reduce the amount of pain you feel.

What is diamorphine available as?

Diamorphine is available as:

• An injection.

• Spray nasal.

• Tablettes.

Diamorphine is usually given by injection. Tablets are rarely prescribed because other strong opioids, such as morphine, are absorbed better when taken by mouth.

For children with severe pain, diamorphine may be given as a nasal spray in hospital emergencies. This is quicker and less distressing than an injection.

Side effects of diamorphine

Common side effects of diamorphine are:

• Feeling drowsy or sleepy.

• Sensation de vertige.

• Se sentir mal.

• Être malade (vomissements).

• Constipation.

• Bouche sèche.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais consultez votre médecin ou votre pharmacien si des effets secondaires persistent ou deviennent gênants.

How to manage diamorphine side effects

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

Who should not have diamorphine?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking diamorphine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé, ou allaitez.

• If you have heart, liver, or kidney problems.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de prostate ou des difficultés à uriner.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (MPOC).

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec votre thyroïde ou vos glandes surrénales.

• Si vous avez épilepsie.

• Si vous avez un problème avec votre canal biliaire.

• If you have severe diarrhoea, or have been constipated for more than a week, or have an inflammatory bowel problem.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthénie grave.

• Si vous avez récemment subi une blessure grave à la tête.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem called psychose.

• Si vous avez déjà été dépendant aux drogues ou à l'alcool.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

How diamorphine is given

• Diamorphine is usually given as an injection into a muscle or directly into a vein. A doctor or nurse will give the injection, and it may be repeated every four hours to control pain.

• Diamorphine can also be given as an injection just under the skin, often using a syringe driver.

• A syringe driver is a small device that delivers controlled doses through a needle that stays in place. This allows pain relief to be given when needed, without repeated injections. The device limits how much diamorphine can be given over 24 hours.

• In hospital, children with severe pain may be given diamorphine as a nasal spray. This provides fast pain relief and is often used in emergencies. The dose depends on the child’s weight.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. It explains how diamorphine works and lists possible side effects.

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink alcohol while taking diamorphine, as it can increase side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.

• Driving may be affected. Diamorphine can slow your reactions and make driving unsafe. It is illegal to drive if your ability is impaired. If you do drive, carry proof that the medicine has been prescribed for you.

• If you are travelling abroad and need to take diamorphine with you, carry a letter from your doctor. Diamorphine is a controlled drug and is subject to legal restrictions in many countries.

• Check other medicines first. Some over-the-counter medicines can increase side effects when taken with diamorphine. Ask a pharmacist before taking any new medicine.

• Tell healthcare professionals that you are taking diamorphine before having any other treatment.

• Diamorphine is used for short periods only. Long-term use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

How to store diamorphine

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does it take for diamorphine to work?

Diamorphine usually starts to work in 15-20 minutes when injected into a muscle, such as your thigh or bottom, and lasts for 2-4 hours.

Is it safe to have diamorphine during pregnancy?

Diamorphine is usually only used early in pregnancy. Using it for a long time can cause the baby to become dependent and have withdrawal symptoms after birth. If taken close to delivery, it can also affect the baby’s breathing

What's the difference between diamorphine and morphine?

Diamorphine is a stronger and faster-acting form of morphine. Once in the body, diamorphine is converted into morphine, but it reaches the brain more quickly, providing faster pain relief.

Is diamorphine addictive?

Yes, diamorphine can be addictive, especially with regular or long-term use. It can cause dependence, meaning you may experience withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly.