DRUG: VICODIN ES TAB
GENERIC NAME: HYDROCODONE (hye-droe-KO-done) and ACETAMINOPHEN (a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a combination of a narcotic and acetaminophen used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Narcotic pain-relievers work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore reducing pain. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.



HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (such as antihistamines, or lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone. A severe allergic reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine contains codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine. Do not use this medicine more often or for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. When using for an extended period, this medicine may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medicine stops working well. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver, kidney, or lung function tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. This medicine may alter certain lab test results. Make sure that all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking this medicine. To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This medicine may cause constipation. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN. Do not take additional acetaminophen for pain or fever without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines contain acetaminophen. If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take this medicine or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Alcohol use combined with this medicine may increase your risk for liver damage. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes other pain relievers, cough-and-cold medicines, or allergy medicines. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because