What Is Kadian?

• Kadian is a brand name for extended‑release (ER) morphine sulfate capsules. Medicine.com+2FDA Access Data+2

• It’s a strong opioid painkiller, used for chronic, severe pain that requires around‑the‑clock treatment. Medicine.com+2PubMed+2

• Because it’s long‑acting, it’s not for “as-needed” pain — it’s meant to keep a steady level of pain relief. Medicine.com

• The capsules contain “pellets” of morphine that are coated to release the drug slowly. PubMed

How It Works / Pharmacology

• Morphine works by binding to μ-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. viatris.ca

• The extended-release formulation gives a more stable morphine level in the blood, minimizing big peaks and troughs. PubMed

• Depending on the person, Kadian can be taken every 12 or every 24 hours. Mayo Clinic+1

Strengths / Dosage Forms

• Kadian capsules are available in several strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. tapermd.com

• According to the manufacturer’s instructions, you should:

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the pellets — doing so can release a potentially fatal dose too quickly. FDA Access Data+1

  • If you can’t swallow the capsule, there’s an option: open it and sprinkle the pellets on a small amount of soft food (like applesauce) and swallow immediately (within 30 minutes). Then rinse your mouth to make sure you ingest all pellets. HRES PDF

  • It can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time(s) every day. viatris.ca

Typical Dosing

• The correct dose of Kadian varies a lot depending on how severe your pain is, how much opioid tolerance you have, and how your doctor wants to manage your pain. Drugs.com

• For someone already on opioids (“opioid-tolerant”), Kadian may be started and adjusted by your physician. tapermd.com

• Because it’s long-acting, you should not take extra doses “just in case” — more morphine than prescribed can be very dangerous. Medicine.com

• Don’t stop suddenly — if you’ve been on it a while, your doctor will probably want to taper you off safely. tapermd.com

Risks, Side Effects, and Warnings

Some important safety points:

• Respiratory depression (slowed or difficult breathing) is a big risk, especially when starting or increasing the dose. tapermd.com+1

• Addiction, abuse, and misuse are possible with Kadian; it should only be used by the person prescribed and stored securely. Medicine.com

• If someone accidentally takes your Kadian (especially a child), it can be fatal. tapermd.com

• Don’t mix it with alcohol or other sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) — doing so can greatly increase the risk of serious side effects (like dangerous breathing suppression). tapermd.com+1

• For pregnant women: prolonged use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in the baby. tapermd.com

• There are other contraindications: e.g., severe asthma, certain bowel problems (like paralytic ileus), or history with certain drug interactions. viatris.ca

Common side effects include: constipation, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain. Medicine.com

Price / Cost

• The cost of Kadian varies depending on strength, country, and whether it’s generic or brand.

• In the U.S., for example, a government cost list shows: 10 mg capsules of Kadian cost about US$ 7.38 per capsule. Massachusetts Government

• Other capsule strengths are more expensive per capsule (e.g., 20 mg is listed at US$ 8.15). Massachusetts Government

• In some public health formularies (e.g., Ontario, Canada), the cost to the system for Kadian 100 mg is ~ CA$ 2.98 (this does not necessarily reflect the price for a private patient). formulary.health.gov.on.ca

• Note: I did not find reliable, up-to-date publicly-available pricing for Kadian in Cameroon — the cost there may be very different. (If you like, I can try to estimate a price based on local pharmacies or import costs, but it will be approximate.)

Key Advice If Using Kadian

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Don’t change dose or schedule on your own.

2. Never chew, crush, or dissolve the capsules — breaking them defeats the extended-release mechanism and can be dangerous.

3. Use the same schedule daily. Regular timing helps maintain stable pain control and reduces risk of side effects.

4. Store safely. Because it’s a strong opioid, keep it locked or out of reach, and don’t share with anyone.

5. Know overdose signs. If someone takes too much (or you feel like you have), breathing might slow or become shallow — this is a medical emergency.

6. Dispose properly. If you have leftover capsules, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of them safely (or follow local guidelines).

7. Regular reviews. With long-term use, your doctor should monitor you for effectiveness, side effects, and signs of dependence.