Can Urine Drug Test Detect Oxymorphone?

Posted on Tue, 10 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I see a pain med doctor. I have to have surgery on my neck. My vertebrae is going into my spinal canal. I am prescribed oxymorphone, instant release, 10 mg. I had taken one the morning of by snorting it (it works better that way) and two the day before. That last being taken the day before around 2 p.m. How does the urine screen come up negative for oxymorphone in the first place? Now, they are sending it to Florida for confirmation. Will this test show the truth? Or is there a possibility it will be negative also? The only thing I did was not take the four recommended and only took two a day for two days leading up to the appointment day and one in the morning the day of with the intention of only taking one more.

Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pain control is essential before surgery is done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello xxxxxxxx and welcome to HCM.
As a specialist,i must assure you , kindly follow your doctors' advice.
Pain relief is needed before surgery, and oxymorphone does it very well.
Don't worry about the test. Just ignore it. Your symptom control is more important.
If you don't feel severe pain, mention that to the doctor,so dose will be reduced.
Did you have cervical spondylitis earlier, or wear a collar around your neck.
The problem could be aggravated after an injury also.
If you send your reports and scan of neck, an expert opinion can be given.
Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (25 minutes later)

I agree and will do so, but will the confirmation testing show that I have been taking my medicine to some degree? I need it to show that I am telling the truth and the only way it will do that is by showing I have oxymorphone in my urine. I told the doctor the truth when the screening came up negative. My PM doctor will drop me if it is negative so this can't be ignored. Please answer if you can:
1) Why did the screen come up negative when I DID take a pill at least nine hours ealier and two the day before?
2) Will the confirmation test clear this up and show that I DID take my medicine?
I have not received an answer to my follow-up question. I think there might be something wrong on my end.

Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tell your P.M. doctor about snorting and medications taken.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
You've mentioned you took the tablet by snorting, not orally, as directed.
That's a possible cause for negative urine test.
You should tell the P.M. doctor about this.
Most important,kindly mention to the P.M. doctor, about your other medications,
which may clear issues for you and be helpful.
Wish you a speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar