Exalgo (Hydromorphone) for Spondylitis

Overview
Exalgo is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in opioid-tolerant people in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other treatments are not effective. Exalgo may be referred to by its drug name, hydromorphone.

Exalgo is an opioid, or synthetic opiate, that works as a potent analgesic (painkiller). Exalgo is believed to work by reducing the perception of pain.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, regular use of opioids - even as prescribed by a doctor - can lead to dependence. If misused, opioids can cause overdose and death.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Exalgo is taken once daily.

Exalgo comes in extended-release tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Exalgo lists common side effects including constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Exalgo include addiction and dependency, severe low blood pressure, and respiratory depression (inadequate breathing).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Exalgo — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/...

Exalgo — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/exalgo-drug.htm