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A patient’s guide to Oramorph (morphine sulphate oral solution 10mg/5ml) for use in breathlessness

Read our guide below about using Oramorph in breathlessness.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

What is Oramorph?

It’s a liquid form of morphine, a drug often used as a pain killer. In small doses, we prescribe Oramorph for the relief of long term or chronic breathlessness.

Why we use it

Oramorph has been used as a treatment for breathlessness for many years. It has proven to be effective and safe.

Will it help?

Patients tell us they find it very helpful in relieving their breathlessness. Many say it has allowed them to sleep and cope better with daily activities.

How does it work?

Oramorph works quickly to relieve the feeling of being breathless and does not linger in your system. You will start on a small dose 2 to 4 times a day, If this seems to help you, we can gradually increase the dose.

Once you become used to Oramorph, you can take extra doses when you are breathless. You can also use it before doing activities that you know will make you breathless.

What are the possible side effects?

As with all medicines there may be side effects which can include:

  • constipation – which is why a gentle laxative is often prescribed whilst you are taking oramorph.
  • itchy skin (mild)
  • drowsiness (rarely). If you do feel drowsy you must not drive

Itchiness and drowsiness usually go away over time, and with continued use of Oramorph.

Some people may feel concerned at the thought of using morphine for a number of reasons:

Some people may recognise this as a medicine used for pain including when someone has cancer or is dying. This is absolutely not why oramorph is used for breathlessness.

Some people may think that using morphine will make you addicted. The small amount of morphine used to treat breathlessness does not cause addiction. The oramorph can be safely weaned and stopped if it does not benefit you, or if you no longer need it.

You might notice that the packet information leaflet includes a warning that states that it is dangerous to take oramorph when you have a breathing condition. This is only a potential problem if you need to take very large doses to treat pain. Oramorph is not dangerous in the low doses we prescribe for treating breathlessness.

What happens if Oramorph does not work for me?

It is important to let your doctor know if you feel that the oramorph is not helping as it may be that you need an alternative dose or medication.

Is oxygen a treatment for breathlessness?

No. Oxygen corrects low oxygen levels and reduces strain on your heart and lungs. You can have a normal oxygen level and be very breathless which is why we use other treatments for breathlessness like Oramorph.

 

Buckinghamshire Integrated Respiratory Service (BIRS):

The Annexe, Thame Community Hospital, East Street, Thame, OX9 3JT
Call: 01296 255670
Email: buc-tr.birs@nhs.net

Monday to Friday – 8.15 to 18.30
Weekends/Bank Holidays – 9.00 to 16.30

If you require medical advice out of hours please dial 111.
In the event of an emergency please call 999.