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Vicoprofen

Generic name: hydrocodone and ibuprofen [HYE-dro-KOE-done-and-EYE-bue-pro-fen]
Drug class: narcotic analgesic combinations

In the U.S., Vicoprofen has been withdrawn. There may be equivalents if generic versions have been approved by the FDA.

What is Vicoprofen?

Vicoprofen is a combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen. Hydrocodone, an opioid pain medicine, is available in the United States. An opioid can also be called a narcotic. Ibuprofen, also known as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (nsaids), is a type of NSAID. This medication works by reducing substances that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation.Vicoprofen can be used to relieve severe discomfort.Arthritis pain is not treated with Vicoprofen.

Warnings

Vicoprofen withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening for the newborn if taken during pregnancy.Hydrocodone may cause you to stop breathing or slow down. It can also become habit-forming. VICOPROFEN USED IMPROPERLY CAN CAUSE ADDICTION OR DEATH. This is especially true for children or anyone who uses the drug without a doctor's prescription.

Vicoprofen can have fatal side effects if it is taken with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing.

Ibuprofen may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. This is especially true if you take it in high doses, use it over a long period of time, or have heart disease. Vicoprofen should not be taken before or after heart bypass surgery.Ibuprofen may cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding. Ibuprofen can cause these conditions without warning, especially for older adults.

Before you take this drug

If you've ever experienced an asthma attack, a severe allergic reaction, or a severe reaction to aspirin (Advil or Motrin), you shouldn't use Vicoprofen. Do not use this medication before or after a heart bypass surgery.

Ibuprofen may increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. This is especially true if it's taken long-term, in high doses, or if you have heart problems. Vicoprofen can cause a heart attack or stroke in people who do not have heart disease.

Ibuprofen may cause fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding. Vicoprofen can cause these conditions without warning, especially for older adults.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Vicoprofen will be safe for you:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, fluid retention, diabetics, or if a smoker;
  • Stomach ulcers or bleeding in the intestines or stomach;
  • Asthma or other breathing disorders;
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • A head injury, a brain tumor, or seizures.
  • A problem with your thyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, or gallbladder
  • Urination problems
  • Drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness
  • If you are using a sedative such as Valium (diazepam) or other sedatives like Klonopin or Restoril,

Certain medicines can cause serotonin-induced syndrome, a serious condition that occurs when hydrocodone is taken. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are also taking stimulant medicines, opioid medications, herbal products, or medication for depression, mental illnesses, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, or serious infections. Before making any changes to your medication, consult your doctor.

Your baby may develop a dependence on hydrocodone if you take it while pregnant. This could cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening for the newborn. Babies who are born addicted to habit-forming drugs may require medical care for several weeks. Inform your doctor that you are expecting.Ibuprofen and hydrocodone can pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness and breathing problems for a nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.

Similar/related drugs

Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Tramadol, Naproxen, Oxycodone, and Tylenol

How to take Vicoprofen?

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Hydrocodone may slow down or stop breathing. Take this medication only as prescribed. Never exceed the recommended dosage or take it longer than instructed. Use the lowest effective dose to treat your condition. Inform your doctor if your medicine does not seem to be working as well at relieving pain.Hydrocodone can be addictive. Vicoprofen should never be shared with anyone, especially if they have a history of addiction or drug abuse. Misuse of narcotic medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially in children or others who use the medicine without a prescription.

Tell the surgeon in advance if you will need surgery. You may have to temporarily stop taking the drug.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Track your medication. You should be alert to anyone who uses your Vicoprofen without a prescription or improperly.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for pain:

Short-term pain relief (generally less than 10 days):
Take 1 tablet every 4 hours or as needed.
Maximum dose: 5 tablets per 24 hours.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Vicoprofen, which is prescribed for pain relief, makes it unlikely that you will miss a dosage. If your next dose is approaching, skip any missed doses. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose of hydrocodone can be deadly, especially if it is taken by a child or someone who has not been prescribed the drug.

Avoid this

You may be impaired in your ability to think or react. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure how the medication will affect you. Dizziness and severe drowsiness may cause accidents or falls.Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.

Before using any pain, cold, allergy, or other medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Aspirin and other drugs similar to ibuprofen are found in many over-the-counter medicines. You can get too much medication by taking certain products. You can check the label of a medication to see if it contains aspirin or ibuprofen.

Side effects of Vicoprofen

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Vicoprofen, seek emergency medical attention: sneezing; runny, stuffy, or stuffed-up nose; wheezing; difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or mouth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

If you experience:

  • Slow heartbeat, weak breathing, or sighing
  • Shortness of breath even with mild exercise
  • Swelling or rapid weight gain
  • The first sign of any skin rash is important, regardless of how mild it may be.
  • Signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stool, coughing blood, or vomit that looks like coffee ground;
  • Liver problems: fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms, and dark urine.
  • Kidney disease: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles
  • Low levels of cortisol—vomiting, dizziness, and worsening fatigue or weakness.
  • Severe reaction: fever, sore mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes, burning, followed by skin pain, blistering, and peeling.

If you experience symptoms of serotonin disorder, including: hallucinations or agitation; fever, sweating, and shivering; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness and twitching; and loss of coordination,

The risk of serious side effects is higher in older adults, overweight people, and those who have been malnourished or are debilitated.Men or women may be affected by long-term opioid use. The effects of opioids on fertility may not be permanent.

Vicoprofen may cause the following side effects:

  • Headache, dizziness, weakness;
  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gas;
  • Constipation, diarrhea;
  • Feeling anxious or nervous
  • Dry mouth
  • Itching and sweating
  • Sleep problems (insomnia).

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Vicoprofen can interact with other medications to cause dangerous or unwanted effects. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking, as well as any new medications you may be using.

Taking Vicoprofen along with other drugs can have dangerous side effects, including death. Consult your doctor before you take a sleeping pill or narcotic pain medication, prescription cough medicine or muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures.Hydrocodone, ibuprofen, and other drugs can interact. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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