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Compare Norco vs. Vicoprofen

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

Key takeaways

Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) and Vicoprofen (hydrocodone/ibuprofen) are both combination medications used to manage pain when non-opioid medications aren't enough. Norco combines hydrocodone, an opioid, with acetaminophen, an analgesic, while Vicoprofen pairs hydrocodone with ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Both medications are taken orally and are available in generic forms. Norco is typically used for general pain relief, but it carries a risk of liver damage due to the acetaminophen component. Vicoprofen, on the other hand, is used for short-term pain relief (less than 10 days) and has additional risks like stomach bleeding and heart problems due to the ibuprofen. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation, sleepiness, and nausea, and they have a high potential for misuse and dependency. However, Norco is not recommended to be taken with other acetaminophen-containing products, while Vicoprofen should not be combined with other NSAIDs.

  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Hydrocodone/ibuprofen
  • Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
    Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

  • Summary of Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Norco is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who've tried non-opioid medications but haven't gotten enough relief. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to start working. Side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. It's also a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

    Please note: The brand name Norco is no longer available in the United States, but there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets on the market.

    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 Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
    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 Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    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 Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (27%)
    •Constipation (22%)
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (22%)
    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Indigestion (12%)

  • Warnings of Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    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 Norco vs. Vicoprofen

    Learn more about Norco
    Learn more about Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

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