HYDROCODONE/IBUPROFEN - ORAL (Vicoprofen) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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hydrocodone/ibuprofen - oral, Vicoprofen

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GENERIC NAME: HYDROCODONE/IBUPROFEN - ORAL (hye-droe-KOE-done eye-byou-PRO-fen)

BRAND NAME(S): Vicoprofen

WARNING: The ibuprofen in this combination medication may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be greater in people with heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes) or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Also, this drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This can occur without warning symptoms at any time during treatment.

Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: chest pain, severe dizziness, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. (See also Precautions section.)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.

USES: This combination medication (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) is used for a short time (usually less than 10 days) to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and swelling (inflammation).

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this drug. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug and get less benefit from it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. The manufacturer recommends you take no more than 5 tablets in a 24-hour period.If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, watery eyes, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, irritability) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.