Uses
What is Lucemyra used for?
Lucemyra (lofexidine) is a non-opioid medicine commonly used to decrease symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you stop taking opioids.
Lucemyra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Lucemyra work (mechanism of action)?
Lucemyra helps lessen opioid withdrawal symptoms by reducing the release of a hormone called norepinephrine, which can cause withdrawal symptoms.
How is Lucemyra supplied (dosage forms)?
Lucemyra is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 0.18 mg oral tablets
How should I store Lucemyra?
Lucemyra should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Lucemyra in its original container. Lucemyra includes a packet (desiccant) inside the bottle to keep the tablets dry. The packet should not be taken out of the bottle until all the tablets have been used.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Lucemyra?
The most common Lucemyra side effects are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Low blood pressure or symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness (see below)
- Slow heart rate
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
There may be other side effects of Lucemyra that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Lucemyra?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Lucemyra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lucemyra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Lucemyra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Blood Pressure or Slow Heart Rate. Lucemyra may cause low blood pressure (hypotension), a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), or fainting (syncope). Try not to become overheated or dehydrated, because this can increase your risk of these side effects. Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Your healthcare provider may also show you how to check your blood pressure and heart rate. Do not take your next dose and contact your healthcare provider right away for advice on how to adjust your dose if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Slow heart rate
Heart Rhythm Changes. Lucemyra may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called
QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as fast or skipping heartbeat.
Risk of Opioid Overdose. After stopping opioid medicines and taking Lucemyra, you may be more likely to have side effects from opioids than you did before starting Lucemyra. Taking an opioid medicine, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, may lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Get emergency help right away or tell a caregiver to get emergency help if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
- Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Lucemyra?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lucemyra.
- Lofexidine
- Lucemyra
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lucemyra.
What should I know about Lucemyra before using it?
Do not take Lucemyra unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Lucemyra with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Lucemyra out of the reach of children.
Do not stop taking Lucemyra without talking to your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping Lucemyra can cause high blood pressure. You may also experience diarrhea, trouble sleeping, feeling worried, chills, sweating a lot, and pain in your arms or legs. When you and your healthcare provider decide to stop Lucemyra, your healthcare provider will tell you how to slowly decrease your dose over time.
Lucemyra can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Lucemyra affects you.
Lucemyra helps lessen symptoms of opioid withdrawal, but it may not completely prevent them. Opioid withdrawal can be hard. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to help limit opioid withdrawal symptoms if needed.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lucemyra?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lucemyra is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney or liver problems
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Heart problems, including history of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or long QT syndrome
- Low levels of electrolytes, such as low potassium or low magnesium
Medicines That Cause Sleepiness. Taking Lucemyra with any medicine that makes you drowsy or dizzy, such as a benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and many others, can increase these effects. This can lead to serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take and if you drink alcohol.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Lucemyra may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Lucemyra, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Lucemyra could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lucemyra passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Lucemyra while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Lucemyra?
For more information about Lucemyra, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.LUCEMYRA.com or call them at 833-LUCEMYRA.
Interactions
Does Lucemyra interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Lucemyra and foods or drinks.
The risk of dizziness and sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Lucemyra.
Does Lucemyra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Lucemyra.
- Methadone, which is an opioid medicine used to treat pain or opioid use disorder
- Oral naltrexone, which is a medicine used to treat alcohol and/or opioid use disorder
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
- Paroxetine, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used for anxiety or depression
- Any medicine that can lower your heart rate or blood pressure
- Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a dangerous heart rhythm problem
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Lucemyra. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lucemyra?
If you or someone else has used too much Lucemyra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lucemyra?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Lucemyra (lofexidine)?
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