Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HYDROCODONE-IBUPROFEN - ORAL

(hi-droh-KOH-doan w/eye-byou-PRO-fen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vicoprofen

Uses

This medication is used for short-term relief of pain. It is not recommended for such chronic conditions as arthritis.

How To Use

This medication is taken by mouth, usually one tablet every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for pain. Dosage should not exceed 5 tablets per day. Treatment is for 10 days or less unless otherwise directed. Follow all instructions exactly to receive good pain relief. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your pain is not relieved. Take this medication with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. After a period of time, this medicine may not work as well. If this occurs, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prolonged or excessive use of this product may cause dependency (or addiction). Do not increase your dosage or use more often than directed.

Side Effects

Mild headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea or constipation might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: unusual bleeding or bruising. Very unlikely but report promptly: stiff neck, yellowing eyes or skin, unusual change in amount of urine, fast heartbeat, fever, severe headache, ringing in the ears, eye problems, mental/mood changes. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing/slow, very shallow breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), asthma, nasal polyps, recent head injury, brain disorders (e.g., cancer), stomach/intestinal ulcers, high blood pressure, blood disorders, alcoholism, current smoking, kidney problems, lung diseases, heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems (hypothyroid), enlarged prostate (males), urinary problems, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness or when using machinery. Limit alcohol intake. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Avoid use toward the end of pregnancy (last three months) because it may harm the fetus. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this product is used in the elderly.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril or enalapril), anticholinergics/antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or propantheline, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, selegiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromine, phenelzine), tricyclics (e.g., amitriptyline), aspirin or other NSAIDs such as naproxen, "blood-thinners" such as warfarin or heparin, "water pills" (diuretics), lithium, methotrexate, other narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cimetidine. Also report the use of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, psychiatric drugs, sedatives, sleeping pills. Certain cough-and-cold and pain reliever medicines contain narcotics (e.g., codeine) or aspirin-like pain relievers (NSAIDs) which are very similar to the drugs in this product. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slow or shallow breathing, drowsiness, deep sleep, cold and clammy skin, severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, dizziness, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. To help minimize constipation from this product, drink plenty of fluid, use a high fiber diet and exercise if possible. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for side effects.

Missed Dose

Use this drug as needed as directed. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.