- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Percodan
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): oxycodone with aspirin
Uses: This medication is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It contains 2 pain relievers: oxycodone, which is a narcotic, and aspirin. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain parts of the brain to relieve pain. Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling, therefore making you more comfortable and more able to function normally.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
GENERIC NAME(S): oxycodone with aspirin
Uses
This medication is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It contains 2 pain relievers: oxycodone, which is a narcotic, and aspirin. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain parts of the brain to relieve pain. Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling, therefore making you more comfortable and more able to function normally.
How to use Percodan
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take it with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking a dose. To help prevent stomach upset, take it with food or milk. If you have nausea, consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Your doctor may instruct you to take this medication only as needed for shorter periods of pain (such as after surgery) or on a regular schedule for ongoing pain (such as cancer pain).
If you are taking this medication as needed, remember to take it as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain medications, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more than 4 grams (4000 milligrams) of aspirin in 24 hours. Use the smallest effective dose.
Your doctor may also direct you to take long-acting narcotic medications or to use narcotic patches for ongoing pain. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If this medication has been taken regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, stomach cramps, diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop taking 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.
When this medication is taken for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, dry mouth, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, or weakness may occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as depression, hallucinations, confusion), difficult/painful urination, ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent tiredness, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, fainting, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PERCODAN Side Effects List
Percodan side effects by likelihood and severity. The following side effects are associated with Percodan:
Common side effects of Percodan:
· Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
· Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Feeling Faint Less Severe
· Feeling Weak Less Severe
· Heartburn Less Severe
· Irritation of the Stomach or Intestines Less Severe
· Not Feeling Well Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Percodan:
· Spasm of a Bile Duct Tract Severe
· Widening of Blood Vessels Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Fever Less Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Nervous Less Severe
Rare side effects of Percodan:
· A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine Severe
· A Spasm of the Larynx Severe
· Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Severe
· Anemia Severe
· Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
· Blocked Bowels with No Movement Severe
· Blood Clot in Vein Severe
· Blood coming from Anus Severe
· Bronchospasm Severe
· Collapsed Portion of Lung Severe
· Confused Severe
· Decrease in the Ability of Platelet Cells to Clot Severe
· Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Depression Severe
· Drowsiness Severe
· Giant Hives Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Hemolytic Anemia Severe
· Hemorrhage Within the Skull Severe
· Hepatitis caused by Drugs Severe
· Hives Severe
· Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
· Injury Severe
· Interstitial Nephritis Severe
· Itching Severe
· Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
· Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
· Lung Failure causing Loss of Breath Severe
· Periods of Not Breathing Severe
· Problems with Circulation Severe
· Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
· Ringing in the Ears Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Shock Severe
· Significant Decrease in Lung Function Severe
· Small Skin Blister Severe
· Stomach or Intestinal Ulcer Severe
· Trouble Breathing Severe
· Vocal Cord Swelling Severe
· Wheezing Severe
· Abnormal Liver Function Tests Less Severe
· Burning Stomach Less Severe
· Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
· Chills Less Severe
· Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
· Collection of Clotted Blood in an Organ, Space or TissueLess Severe
· Difficulty Swallowing Less Severe
· Extreme Sense of Well Being Less Severe
· Feeling Restless Less Severe
· Flu-Like Symptoms Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Insufficiency of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Less Severe
· Lazy Eye Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Migraine Headache Less Severe
· Painful, Red or Swollen Mouth Less Severe
· Rash Less Severe
· Redness of Skin Less Severe
· Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
· Throat Irritation Less Severe
· Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
· Visible Water Retention Less Sever
Precautions
Before taking oxycodone with aspirin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotics (such as codeine, hydrocodone, oxymorphone), salicylates (such as salsalate), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: intestinal/bowel disorders (such as paralytic ileus, infectious diarrhea, colitis, blockage), kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding/blood-clotting disorders (such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, low platelet count), stomach problems (such as ulcers, heartburn, stomach pain), diabetes, gout, lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), breathing problems (such as slow/shallow breathing, sleep apnea), growths in the nose (nasal polyps), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), certain heart problems (such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances, brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate or narrowed urethra), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (such as toxic psychosis), gallbladder disease, adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), certain enzyme deficiencies (pyruvate kinase or G6PD deficiency).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and ulcers, drowsiness, dizziness, slow/shallow breathing, confusion, difficulty urinating, and constipation.
This product contains aspirin. Children and teenagers less than 18 years old should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby and interfere with normal labor/delivery. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: acetazolamide, certain cancer drugs (mercaptopurine, methotrexate), cimetidine, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), mifepristone, naltrexone, certain medications for pain (opiate partial agonists such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine).
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Before using this product, consult your doctor if you have recently received certain live vaccines (such as varicella vaccine, live flu vaccine).
Other medications can affect the removal of oxycodone from your body, which may affect how oxycodone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), HIV medications (such as ritonavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that also affect breathing or cause drowsiness. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as alcohol, anti-seizure drugs (such as phenobarbital), medicine for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, other narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, oxymorphone), and psychiatric medicines (such as thioridazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone). Your medications or doses of your medications may need to be changed.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) that may increase your risk for side effects if taken together with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (blood amylase and lipase levels, urine sugar tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in the ears, fever, slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, pinpoint pupils, cold/clammy skin, limp/weak muscles, or loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.
If you are using this medication regularly or at high doses, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney and liver function tests, blood count, aspirin level) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Missed Dose
If you take this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. See packaging for the exact temperature range. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. In the US, the FDA recommends flushing this medication down the toilet or pouring into a drain. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised February 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.