What Is MS Contin?
MS Contin (morphine) is a long-acting pain medication used to treat adults 18 and older with severe pain that requires around-the-clock management. It is used after other pain-relieving medications have failed.
MS Contin belongs to a group of drugs called opiate (narcotic) analgesics, a class of highly addictive painkillers.
In the case of MS Contin, it works by changing how your brain and nervous system respond to pain.
MS Contin, a brand-name drug, contains the active ingredient, morphine.
Morphine is given in multiple forms of administration as a generic drug. Specifically, it is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Additionally, it is available orally in the form of a solution (liquid), an extended-release (ER; long-acting) tablet, and an ER capsule.
Other brand-name medications containing the key ingredient of morphine are also available, such as Kynmobi, administered in the form of a film that is dissolved sublingually (under the tongue).
This article will highlight MS Contin, given in the form of an ER tablet.
Drug Facts
Generic Name: Morphine
Brand Name(s): MS Contin, Kynmobi
Drug Availability: Prescription
Therapeutic Classification: Central nervous system (CNS) analgesic agent
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: Yes
Administration Route: Oral
Active Ingredient: Morphine sulfate
Dosage Form(s): ER tablet
What Is MS Contin Used For?
The FDA has approved MS Contin as a long-acting opioid pain medication used to treat adults 18 and older with severe pain that requires around-the-clock treatment. Because of its risks, MS Contin should only be used if other treatments have failed.
Chronic pain affects more than 20% of adults in the United States (U.S.) and is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care.
Females develop chronic pain more commonly than males, and the incidence of chronic pain increases with age.
People who struggle with chronic pain experience a decreased quality of life and are at increased risk of opioid dependence and poor mental health.
If your healthcare provider decides a long-acting opioid is necessary to manage your pain, MS Contin may be one option they consider.
How to Take MS Contin
MS Contin is available as an ER tablet.
Your healthcare provider will likely tell you to take MS Contin every eight to 12 hours (two to three times per day). MS Contin is taken at scheduled times, around-the-clock.
Swallow MS Contin tablets whole. Never cut, crush, chew, dissolve, snort, or inject MS Contin, as this can lead to an overdose and death.
Take MS Contin exactly as your healthcare provider has told you to. Do not change your dose, and use the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration. Call your healthcare provider if your pain is not controlled.
Do not stop taking MS Contin without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
Storage
Store MS Contin at room temperature.
Keep MS Contin and all your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Also, avoid storing in areas susceptible to high levels of moisture, such as a bathroom.
Because even one tablet can cause a deadly overdose if accidentally consumed—especially by children—it is essential that MS Contin be stored in a secure location.
Due to the risks associated with an accidental MS Contin ingestion, any expired, unused, or unwanted MS Contin should be immediately flushed down the toilet if a drug take-back program is unavailable.
Visit the FDA's website to learn more about where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications.
How Long Does MS Contin Take to Work?
MS Contin begins to work within 90 minutes. Its pain-relieving effects should last between eight to 12 hours. Talk with your healthcare provider if your pain is not adequately relieved.
What Are the Side Effects of MS Contin?
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.
Common Side Effects
You may experience side effects while taking MS Contin. Let your healthcare provider know about any side effects that bother you or don't go away.
Common side effects include:
The use of opioids for pain management can also lead to opioid-induced constipation.
Severe Side Effects
The FDA has issued a boxed warning for MS Contin. Boxed warnings are the agency’s strongest warnings for serious and potentially life-threatening risks. See above for the full warning regarding the safe use and handling of MS Contin.
MS Contin use can lead to severe side effects.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following severe side effects:
- Slowed breathing, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath
- Tachycardia (fast, rapid heartbeat)
- Angina (chest pain)
- Angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
- Extreme lethargy
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Agitation
- High body temperature
- Stiff muscles
- Mental changes, such as confusion
Long-Term Side Effects
MS Contin may cause withdrawal effects if stopped suddenly. Do not stop taking MS Contin without speaking with your healthcare provider first. They will likely decrease your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Chronic use of opioids like MS Contin may cause problems with fertility in both males and females. It is not known whether these effects are reversible. Talk with your healthcare provider about these risks.
Report Side Effects
MS Contin may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
Dosage: How Much MS Contin Should I Take?
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The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
-
For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
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For moderate to severe pain:
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Adults—
- The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Avinza®: The capsule is given every 24 hours.
- Kadian®: The capsule is given every 12 or 24 hours.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
Adults—
-
For moderate to severe pain:
-
For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
-
For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The tablet is usually given every 8 or 12 hours.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For moderate to severe pain:
-
For oral dosage form (solution):
-
For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—10 to 20 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For moderate to severe pain:
-
For oral dosage form (tablets):
-
For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—15 to 30 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For moderate to severe pain:
Modifications
The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using MS Contin:
Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using MS Contin if you have a known allergy to it or any of its ingredients. Ask your healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.
Pregnancy: Prolonged use of opioids like MS Contin during pregnancy can cause your baby to develop neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome after birth—a potentially deadly condition if not treated promptly.
If you need to take MS Contin during your pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about these risks and ensure the appropriate treatment is available for your baby immediately after delivery.
In animal studies, MS Contin was found to cause fetal harm, including neural tube defects, decreased body weight, brain changes, and lower survival rates. Let your healthcare provider know if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and discuss the benefits and risks of taking MS Contin during your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Morphine is present in breast milk. However, because of the potential risks to babies, including slowed breathing and excessive sleepiness, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking MS Contin.
Adults over 65: Clinical studies haven't included a large enough number of people in this age group to see whether they respond differently from younger adults. Older adults with several medical conditions or taking several medications should use caution with MS Contin. Older adults might also be more sensitive to MS Contin's side effects.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using MS Contin in children have not been studied.
Kidney and liver problems: Individuals with kidney or liver problems may not be able to clear the medication from their bodies as easily. This means the medicine stays in the body longer and can have increased side effects. For this reason, if you have kidney or liver impairment, your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of MS Contin.
They may increase your dose slowly, as needed, while closely monitoring for side effects, such as slowed breathing, sedation, and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Missed Dose
If you accidentally forgot to take your MS Contin, skip the missed dose and take the following dose at your next scheduled dosing time. Don't try to double up to make up for the missed dose.
Try to find ways to help yourself remember to keep your appointments and take your medication routinely. If you miss too many doses, MS Contin might be less effective at controlling your pain.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much MS Contin?
The symptoms associated with a suspected MS Contin overdose include:
If you think that you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
What Happens If I Overdose on MS Contin?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on MS Contin, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking MS Contin, call 911 immediately.
Precautions
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It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]) within the past 14 days.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of these medicines while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Using narcotics for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.
This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
If you have been using this medicine regularly for several weeks or longer, do not change your dose or suddenly stop using it without checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal or stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble sleeping.
Do not take too much of this medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. This can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose include: extreme dizziness or weakness, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, trouble breathing, and cold, clammy skin. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause serious unwanted effects, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in your newborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
Using too much of this medicine may cause reduced infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect the serotonin levels in your body.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take MS Contin?
Do not take MS Contin if you:
What Other Medications Interact With MS Contin?
Do not take MS Contin if you take an MAOI or have taken an MAOI in the last 14 days.
Examples of MAOIs include:
Use caution when taking MS Contin with the following medications:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or Ativan lorazepam
- Other opioid pain medicines, such as Oxaydo (oxycodone) or Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
- Muscle relaxants, like cyclobenzaprine or metaxalone
- Antipsychotic medicines, such as haloperidol, Abilify (aripiprazole), or Clozaril (clozapine)
- Antidepressants, such as Luvox (fluvoxamine)
- Narcan (naloxone)
- Belbuca (buprenorphine)
- Diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide) or Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide)
- Drugs that have anticholinergic effects, such as Enablex (darifenacin), Vesicare (solifenacin), and Detrol (tolterodine)
- Nuedexta (dextromethorphan and quinidine)
Many other drugs interact with MS Contin.
Be sure to let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What Medications Are Similar?
MS Contin is a long-acting opioid pain medication.
Other long-acting opioids include:
Choosing between a product will depend on other treatments you've tried, your preferred administration route (oral versus a patch), and your other medical conditions.
You and your healthcare provider will work together to choose the best treatment for you.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking MS Contin?
If you're taking MS Contin, chances are you're looking to get better control over your pain. You've likely tried different approaches or treatments.
While living with chronic pain does have its challenges, there are ways to help improve your quality of life. Refer below for some general tips to support your health:
- Take pain-related medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Do not change your dose without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
- Stay physically active. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a safe exercise routine. Staying active is good for your overall health and can improve your mood and help distract you from your pain symptoms.
- Manage your stress. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as relaxed breathing and mindfulness exercises, into your daily routine can help improve your overall mental health.
- Certain conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can make the pain worse. Talk with your healthcare provider if you're struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- Make time for enjoyable activities. Regularly participating in activities you enjoy can improve your mood and decrease the effects of pain signals in the body.
- Get enough sleep. Being overtired can worsen the pain. Focus on your sleep hygiene to ensure you're getting enough rest.
Medical Disclaimer
Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
