Hydrocodone; Ibuprofen tablets

What are hydrocodone; ibuprofen tablets?

HYDROCODONE; IBUPROFEN (Vicoprofen®, Reprexain™) is a combination of two different types of pain medicine. Hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Federal law prohibits the transfer of this product to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic hydrocodone; ibuprofen tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take hydrocodone; ibuprofen?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• asthma

• bleeding problems

• cigarette smoker

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• dental disease

• diabetes

• diarrhea

• drink more than 3-alcohol containing beverages a day

• head injury

• heart or circulation problems

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease or breathing difficulties

• nasal polyps

• seizures

• stomach or duodenal ulcers

• systemic lupus erythematosus

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocodone, ibuprofen, other pain medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. You can take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

This medicine is not for use in children.

Do not share this medicine with anyone.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with hydrocodone; ibuprofen?

• antiinflammatory drugs (other NSAIDs)

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cyclosporine

• entecavir

• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone

• lithium

• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines that affect platelets

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'

• medicines for seizures

• methotrexate

• pemetrexed

• water pills (diuretics)

Because hydrocodone can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products. Some other medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• alcohol-containing medicines

• barbiturates such as phenobarbital

• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers

• muscle relaxants

• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking hydrocodone; ibuprofen?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or different type of pain. Do not take other pain medicines with hydrocodone; ibuprofen combinations without advice. Many non-prescription pain medicines contain ibuprofen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking too much ibuprofen. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products with out checking with your prescriber or health care professional. These products may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. You may also take it with food or milk.

Hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products may make you drowsy when you first start taking it or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking the medicine for a couple of days. If you have not slept because of your pain, you may sleep more the first few days your pain is controlled to catch-up on missed sleep.

Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these may increase the irritation to your stomach when taking this medicine. If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your prescriber or health care professional at once.

Hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products can cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.

It is especially important not to use hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Ibuprofen and hydrocodone might cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking hydrocodone; ibuprofen combination products. Ibuprofen can cause you to bleed more easily. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from taking hydrocodone; ibuprofen?

Elderly patients are more likely to get side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness

• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing, wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips or feet

• change in the amount of urine passed

• chest pain

• cold, clammy skin

• confusion

• fast heartbeat

• fever, chills, muscle aches and pains

• lightheadedness or fainting spells

• nervousness or restlessness

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• seizures

• slow or fast heart beat

• stomach pain or cramps

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• confusion

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness, drowsiness

• flushing

• gas or heartburn

• headache

• itching

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of Vicoprofen® or Reprexain™ by someone (especially children) other than for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe side effects and possibly death.

Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.