What should I watch for?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to this medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop this medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates). If you take more than one type at the same time or if you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
Do not take other medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. This can happen with no warning and may cause death. There is increased risk with taking this medicine for a long time. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common or rare
Bloody stools
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
congestion in the chest
changes in facial skin color
difficulty with swallowing
fast or irregular breathing
frequent urge to urinate
irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness or dizziness
loss of bladder control
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
ringing or buzzing in the ears
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
stomach pain
tenderness in the stomach
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
cold or clammy skin
confusion
difficulty hearing or ringing or buzzing in the ears
dizziness
general feeling of illness
headache
mood or mental changes
nausea or vomiting
severe drowsiness
severe stomach pain
skin rash
slow heartbeat
slow or troubled breathing
stiff neck or back
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
increased sweating
nervousness
pounding heartbeat
sleepiness
trouble in sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common or rare
Decreased appetite
decrease in sexual ability
headache
increased thirst
irritability
mood or mental changes
mouth ulcers
pain or burning in the throat
sensation of burning, warmth, heat, numbness, tightness, or tingling
slurred speech
stomach upset
thinking abnormalities
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
unexplained weight loss
unusual feeling of well-being
visual disturbances
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
