About MME (Morphine Milligram Equivalents)
MME converts different opioid prescriptions into a single “morphine-equivalent” number to help compare risk across regimens. It does not measure how well a medication controls pain for you personally.
- Education only: Do not change your medication without your prescriber.
- Why it matters: Higher MME/day is associated with higher overdose risk, particularly above 50 and 90 MME/day.
- Context matters: Health conditions, other medicines (like benzodiazepines), sleep apnea, and alcohol use all change risk.
MME Calculator (Morphine Milligram Equivalents)
Education only. Conversions are approximate and vary by source. Do not change medications without your prescriber.
Quick-Add a medication
| Medication | Dose per taking | Times per day | Estimated MME/day |
|---|
How to use
- Tap a medication in Quick-Add or use the dropdown.
- Enter the dose taken each time (mg). For a fentanyl patch, enter the box strength in mcg/hr.
- Enter how many times per day you take it (not needed for the patch).
- Review your estimated total MME/day. Use this to talk with your prescriber—don’t self-adjust.
Common conversion factors (approx.)
- Morphine (oral): ×1
- Hydrocodone (oral): ×1
- Oxycodone (oral): ×1.5
- Hydromorphone (oral): ×4
- Oxymorphone (oral): ×3
- Codeine (oral): ×0.15
- Tramadol (oral): ×0.1
- Tapentadol (oral): ×0.4
- Meperidine (oral): ×0.1
- Fentanyl patch: mcg/hr × 2.4
- Methadone (oral): non-linear by total mg/day (1–20→×4; 21–40→×8; 41–60→×10; ≥61→×12)
- Buprenorphine (for OUD): not converted to MME
What MME can—and can’t—tell you
- MME estimates risk as doses rise—especially at ≥50 and ≥90 MME/day.
- MME does not measure your personal pain relief or function.
- Different references use slightly different factors—clinical context matters.
- Use MME to inform a conversation with your prescriber—not to self-adjust medication.
Learn more or book at unitypain.com
Medical disclaimer: For education only. Always seek personalized medical advice before changing medications.
FAQs
Is this accurate for everyone?
No. MME factors are approximations and differ by source. Your medical history and goals guide decisions—never the MME number alone.
Why isn’t buprenorphine included?
For opioid use disorder, buprenorphine’s risk profile is different; standard MME conversions aren’t used for overdose risk decisions.
What about fentanyl patches?
Enter the patch strength in mcg/hr (e.g., “25”). The calculator uses mcg/hr × 2.4 to estimate MME/day.
What should I do with my result?
Use it to start a conversation with your prescriber about safety, taper options, or alternatives—not to self-adjust.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general education only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Seek professional guidance for any medication changes.
Learn more or book at unitypain.com