What is hydrocodone and ibuprofen?
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.
Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
The combination of hydrocodone and ibuprofen is used short-term to relieve severe pain. This medication is not for treating arthritis pain.
Hydrocodone and ibuprofen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about hydrocodone and ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Seek emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Ibuprofen can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines. These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen. Call your doctor at once if you have black, bloody, or tarry stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person this medicine was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking hydrocodone and ibuprofen. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding while taking ibuprofen.
Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrocodone and ibuprofen?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocodone or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person this medicine was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Taking ibuprofen can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ibuprofen can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other NSAIDs such as Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.
Before using hydrocodone and ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
asthma or other breathing disorders;
liver or kidney disease;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
stomach or intestinal disorder, history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
underactive thyroid, Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
curvature of the spine;
an enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or
mental illness or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrocodone and ibuprofen, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Do not take hydrocodone and ibuprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.
Hydrocodone and ibuprofen may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.