Norco vs. Vicoprofen for Pain: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Hydrocodone/ibuprofen

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Summary for Norco

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.

Indications for Norco

Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Norco

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

Common Side Effects for Norco

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Itching

Warnings for Norco

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

Summary for Vicoprofen

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 for Vicoprofen

Pain that isn't relieved with non-opioid pain medications - used as short-term treatment (for less than 10 days)

Pros and Cons for Vicoprofen

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