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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and hydrocodone/ibuprofen (Vicoprofen) are both used to relieve pain, but they have some key differences. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can get over-the-counter or by prescription. It helps with pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking certain proteins in your body. On the other hand, hydrocodone/ibuprofen is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an NSAID (ibuprofen) and is only available by prescription. This combination is used for more severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications alone. While ibuprofen can cause side effects like nausea and stomach pain, hydrocodone/ibuprofen can cause more serious issues like slowed breathing, addiction, and severe stomach problems. Additionally, hydrocodone/ibuprofen is a controlled substance due to the risk of misuse and dependency, whereas ibuprofen is not. Both medications should be taken with caution, but hydrocodone/ibuprofen requires more careful monitoring and has stricter usage guidelines.

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  • Ibuprofen
    Hydrocodone/ibuprofen
  • Ibuprofen
    Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    Summary for Opioid / NSAID
    Prescription only

    Hydrocodone/ibuprofen is a combination opioid medication that's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough relief. Your provider will discuss with you about your specific needs for pain relief to determine your dosage. Hydrocodone/ibuprofen can commonly cause side effects like headache, sleepiness, and constipation. This medication also has many serious warnings, such as slowed breathing, risk of misuse and dependency, and stomach bleeding. Although the brand name (Vicoprofen) is no longer available, the generic form is still on the market.

  • Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved with non-opioid pain medications - used as short-term treatment (for less than 10 days)

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    Pros and Const for Opioid / NSAID
    Pros
    •Helps relieve pain that isn't well-controlled with non-opioid pain medications alone
    •Combines two different medications to ease pain in different ways
    •Might start to notice pain relief in 30 minutes
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Can cause serious slow breathing and stomach and heart problems
    •Shouldn't use with other NSAID medications
    •Is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and dependency so there are special requirements to getting a prescription filled

  • Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (27%)
    •Constipation (22%)
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (22%)
    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Indigestion (12%)

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Potentially deadly slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •High blood pressure, swelling, and heart failure
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Liver problems
    •Low hormone levels
    •Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious allergic reaction and skin reactions
    •Asthma attack in people with asthma

  • Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Vicoprofen

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    Learn more about Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

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