hydromorphone hydrochloride

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Boxed Warning 12/2025 Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 12/2025 Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.5 ) 12/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.11 , 5.13 ) 12/2025

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period with a daily opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are receiving, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release/long-acting opioid formulations, [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], reserve hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are an opioid agonist indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period with a daily opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release/long-acting opioid formulations, reserve hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. (1) Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic. (1)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of extended-release/long-acting opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. (2.1) For once daily administration IN OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS. (2.1) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. (2.1, 5) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse (5.1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments (2.1, 5.2) Instruct patients to swallow hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets intact, and not to cut, break, chew, crush, or dissolve the tablets (risk of potentially fatal overdose). (2.1, 5.1) Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver, both when initiating and renewing treatment with hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. (2.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3). Dose may be increased using increments of 4 to 8 mg every 3 to 4 days as needed to achieve adequate analgesia. (2.4) Periodically reassess patients receiving hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. (2.4) Do not rapidly reduce or abruptly discontinue hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets in a physically-dependent patient because rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. (2.5, 5.13) Moderate Hepatic Impairment: Initiate treatment with 25% of the dose that would be prescribed for patients with normal hepatic function. Monitor closely for respiratory and central nervous system depression. (2.6) Moderate and Severe Renal Impairment: Initiate treatment in patients with moderate renal impairment with 50% and patients with severe renal impairment with 25% of the hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets dose that would be prescribed for patients with normal renal function. Monitor closely for respiratory and central nervous system depression. (2.7) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions To avoid medication errors, prescribers and pharmacists must be aware that hydromorphone is available as both immediate-release 8 mg tablets and extended-release 8 mg tablets. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of extended-release/long-acting opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Due to the risk of respiratory depression, hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are only indicated for use in patients who are already opioid-tolerant. Discontinue or taper all other extended-release opioids when beginning hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets therapy. As hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are only for use in opioid-tolerant patients, do not begin any patient on hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets as the first opioid. P …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Extended-release tablets: available in 8 mg, 12 mg, 16 mg or 32 mg dosage strengths. 8 mg tablets: Light pink to pink film coated round, biconvex tablets printed with "266" in black ink on one side of the tablet. 12 mg tablets: Light yellow to yellow film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "267" in black ink on one side of the tablet. 16 mg tablets: Light beige to beige film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "268" in black ink on one side of the tablet. 32 mg tablets: White to off white film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "269" with black ink on one side of the tablet. Extended-release tablets: 8 mg, 12 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in: • Opioid non-tolerant patients. Fatal respiratory depression could occur in patients who are not opioid tolerant. • Patients with significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] . • Patients who have had surgical procedures and/or underlying disease resulting in narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, or have “blind loops” of the gastrointestinal tract or gastrointestinal obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] . • Patients with hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to hydromorphone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )]. • Opioid non-tolerant patients ( 4 ) • Significant respiratory depression ( 4 ) • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment ( 4 ) • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus ( 4 ) • Narrowed or obstructed gastrointestinal tract ( 4 ) • Known hypersensitivity to any components including hydromorphone hydrochloride and sulfites ( 4 , 5.14 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Interactions with Benzodiazepine or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Most common adverse reactions (incidence >10%) are: constipation, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, headache, and dizziness. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-495-8330 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets was administered to a total of 2,524 patients in 15 controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies. Of these, 423 patients were exposed to hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets for greater than 6 months and 141 exposed for greater than one year. The most common adverse reactions leading to study discontinuation were nausea, vomiting, constipation, somnolence, and dizziness. The most common treatment-related serious adverse reactions from controlled and uncontrolled chronic pain studies were drug withdrawal syndrome, overdose, confusional state, and constipation. The overall incidence of adverse reactions in patients greater than 65 years of age was higher, with a greater than 5% difference in rates for constipation and nausea when compared with younger patients. The overall incidence of adverse reactions in female patients was higher, with a greater than 5% difference in rates for nausea, vomiting, constipation and somnolence when compared with male patients. A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal study was conducted in opioid tolerant patients with moderate to severe low back pain [see Clinical Studies (14)] . A total of 447 patients were enrolled into the open-label titration phase with 268 patients randomized into the double-blind treatment phase. The adverse reactions that were reported in at least 2% of the patients are contained in Table 2. Table 2. Number (%) of Patients with Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Patients with Moderate to Severe Low Back Pain During the Open-Label Titration Phase or Double-Blind Treatment Phase by Preferred Term Preferred Term Open-Label Titration Phase Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (N=447) Double-Blind Treatment Phase Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (N=134) Placebo (N=134) Constipation 69 (15) 10 (7) 5 (4) Nausea 53 (12) 12 (9) 10 (7) Somnolence 39 (9) 1 (1) 0 (0) Headache 35 (8) 7 (5) 10 (7) Vomiting 29 (6) 8 (6) 6 (4) Pruritus 21 (5) 1 (1) 0 (0) Dizziness 17 (4) 3 (2) 2 (1) Insomnia 13 (3) 7 (5) 5 (4) Dry Mouth 13 (3) 2 (1) 0 (0) Edema Peripheral 13 (3) 3 (2) 1 (1) Hyperhidrosis 13 (3) 2 (1) 2 (1) Anorexia/Decreased Appetite 10 (2) 2 (1) 0 (0) Arthralgia 9 (2) 8 (6) 3 (2) Abdominal Pain 9 (2) 4 (3) 3 (2) Muscle Spasms 5 (1) 3 (2) 1 (1) Weight Decreased 3 (1) 4 (3) 3 (2) The adverse reactions that were reported in at least 2% of the total treated patients (N=2,474) in the 14 chronic clinical trials are contained in Table 3 . Table 3. Number (%) of Patients with Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Patients with Chronic Pain Rec …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Table 4. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction, educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 )] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Intervention: The use of hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )]. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Hydromorphone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Intervention: Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 )]. Examples: cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: E …

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy : May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Not recommended. ( 8.2 ) Severe Hepatic Impairment: Use not recommended. ( 8.6 ) Severe Renal Impairment: Consider an alternate analgesic. ( 8.7 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In animal reproduction studies, reduced postnatal survival of pups, developmental delays, and altered behavioral responses were noted following oral treatment of pregnant rats with hydromorphone during gestation and through lactation at doses 2.1 times the human daily dose of 32 mg/day (HDD), respectively. In published studies, neural tube defects were noted following subcutaneous injection of hydromorphone to pregnant hamsters at doses 4.8 times the HDD and soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities were noted following subcutaneous continuous infusion of 2.3 times the HDD to pregnant mice. No malformations were noted at 2.1 or 17 times the HDD in pregnant rats or rabbits, respectively [see Data]. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when use of shorter-acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. Data Animal Data Pregnant rats were treated with hydromorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 6 to 17 via oral gavage doses of 1.75, 3.5, or 7 mg/kg/day (0.5, 1.1, or 2.1 times the HDD of 32 mg/day based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was noted in all treatment groups (reduced food consumption and body weights in the two highest dose groups). There was no evidence of malformations or embryotoxicity reported. Pregnant rabbits were treated with hydromorphone hydrochloride from Gest …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Hydromorphone, a semi-synthetic morphine derivative, is a hydrogenated ketone of morphine. Hydromorphone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of hydromorphone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with morphine. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.

11 DESCRIPTION Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets are for oral use and contain hydromorphone hydrochloride, an opioid agonist. Hydromorphone hydrochloride USP is 4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. Hydromorphone hydrochloride is a white or almost white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. Its empirical formula is C 17 H 19 NO 3 •HCl. The compound has the following structural formula: Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, talc and triethyl citrate. The color coating of the tablets contains ferric oxide black, ferric oxide red (8, 16, and 32 mg only), ferric oxide yellow (8 and 16 mg only), hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 (12 mg only), propylene glycol, shellac, and titanium dioxide. structural formula

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the re-establishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of hydromorphone in hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets will continue to release hydromorphone and add to the hydromorphone load for up to 24 to 48 hours or longer following ingestion, necessitating prolonged monitoring. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed by the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid overdose reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablet Strengths The 8 mg tablets are Light pink to pink film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "266" in black ink on one side of the tablet NDC 31722-119-01 bottles of 100 tablets The 12 mg tablets are Light yellow to yellow film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "267" in black ink on one side of the tablet NDC 31722-120-01 bottles of 100 tablets The 16 mg tablets are Light beige to beige film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "268" in black ink on one side of the tablet NDC 31722-121-01 bottles of 100 tablets The 32 mg tablets are White to off white film coated, round, biconvex tablets printed with "269" with black ink on one side of the tablet NDC 31722-122-01 bottles of 100 tablets Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets securely and dispose of properly [see Patient Counseling Information (17)] .