Tougher Warnings Placed on Painkillers Ultram and Ultracet
Recently, Johnson & Johnson strengthened suicide warnings for two of its painkillers: Ultram and Ultracet. The changes come in the wake of reports of suicide deaths of patients with medical histories of emotional problems and drug abuse. Both Ultram and Ultracet contain tramadol, an opioid, that is more potent when combined with alcohol, other painkillers, or drugs that depress the central nervous system.
Caution is particularly recommended for patients taking Ultram and Ultracet who are currently on tranquilizers, antidepressants or who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Patients who are suicidal or have past histories of addiction problems should also use caution with the drug.
Click here to read the FDA’s warning letter to healthcare professionals about the drugs.