Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.
It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of hydrocodone. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
If you are using the extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets:
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Hydrocodone extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets are for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. If you are uncertain whether or not you are opioid-tolerant, check with your doctor before using this medicine.
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Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
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Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve it. Do not pre-soak, lick, or wet the tablet before placing it in the mouth. Take one tablet at a time with enough water to ensure complete swallowing immediately after placing in the mouth.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For severe pain:
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For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
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Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
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Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
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Adults—The capsule is given every 12 hours. Your doctor will determine your dose and adjust the dose as needed.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
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Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
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Adults—
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Hysingla® ER: At first, 20 milligrams (mg) every 24 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
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Vantrela™: At first, 15 mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
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Adults—
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Hysingla® ER: The tablet is given every 24 hours. Your doctor will determine your dose and adjust the dose as needed.
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Vantrela™: The tablet is given every 12 hours. Your doctor will determine your dose and adjust the dose as needed.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss a dose of Hysingla® ER, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Hydrocodone can cause serious unwanted effects or fatal overdose if taken by children, pets, or adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.
Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.