Nivor

Nivor is a synthetic opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug that was developed by the pharmaceutical company Endo Pharmaceuticals. It is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until metabolized in the body to form norbuprenorphine, a metabolite with opioid properties. Nivor is used to treat moderate to severe pain, including postsurgical pain, cancer pain, and pain associated with injuries or chronic conditions.

The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of cancer pain. It is typically administered orally, although it can also be given intravenously or subcutaneously. Nivor is available under the brand name Subsys.

The onset of action for Nivor is relatively rapid, with effects typically being felt within 15 to 30 minutes after administration. The duration of action is also relatively short, usually lasting for about 4 to 6 hours. This short duration of action is a characteristic feature of prodrug opioids like Nivor.

Nivor is generally well-tolerated, but like all opioids, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. More serious side effects can include respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not managed properly. Therefore, Nivor should be used with caution, particularly in patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The metabolism of Nivor to norbuprenorphine is a two-step process. First, Nivor is converted to norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide (norBzG) in the liver. Then, norBzG is further metabolized to norbuprenorphine in the intestines. This two-step process helps to control the rate at which norbuprenorphine is released into the body, providing a more sustained and controlled analgesic effect.

Nivor is not approved for use in all countries. As of now, it is primarily used in the United States. The drug's availability and use are subject to strict regulations and monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.