New Pain Rx Gets FDA Go-Ahead

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new pain medication to be used in hospitals.

This new medication is found under the name Olinvyk (oliceridine). The FDA approved it to treat adults with moderate to severe acute pain.

Oliceridine, an opioid (strong pain killer), is for those whose pain is severe enough to require an opioid that is given into the vein. It is also to be used when other pain medications are not sufficient.

This medication is not indicated for at-home use. It is only to be used for a short period of time in a controlled environment (under medical supervision).

The recommended maximum dose for one day is 27 milligrams.

Oliceridine is similar to other opioids. That means it has similar potential side effects. Common side effects of oliceridine include nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache and constipation.

This medication carries a boxed warning (the strongest type of drug warning) for the potential risk of addiction, abuse and misuse and life-threatening respiratory depression.

Another boxed warning involves the risks tied to the use of benzodiazepines and other medications that reduce the activity of the central nervous system while taking oliceridine.

The FDA granted this new approval to Trevena Inc.