Percodan ®

Percodan ® is a narcotic pain reliever that combines the two drugs, aspirin and Oxycodone:

• Percodan ® is one of many narcotic pain relievers.
• Aspirin, the milder pain reliever of the two, multiplies certain effects of Oxycodone.
• Alternate Oxycodone compounds, such as Percocet ®, that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of aspirin have mostly replaced Percodan.
• Percodan ® is contraindicated in patients with bleeding or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia.
• Percodan ® may cause harm during pregnancy and when transmitted through mother’s breast milk to newborns.
• Can cause constipation, provoke dizziness, and impaired thinking.
• Percodan ® can cause drowsiness, seizures, and slow heart rate when taken with certain other drugs, such as antidepressants and sedatives.
• Less serious physical reactions involve stomach upset, dry mouth, blurred vision, or mild nausea.
• Adversely affects the outcome of certain urine tests.
• To be taken with caution under doctor’s care when using diuretics, steroids, beta-blockers, bronchodilators, irritable bowel medications, and certain other drugs. (See Percodan Side Effects.)
• Percodan ® (and Percocet ®) are manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals.
• Some serious side effects (but not a complete list)  that require immediate medical attention include: confusion, blood-colored stools, bloody vomit, seizures, difficult breathing, or weak heartbeat.
• Aspirin and/or Percodan overdose may cause gastrointestinal damage.
• Percodan ® is not recommended for patients with asthma or pancreatic disorders.
• Insulin and codeine may interact adversely with Percodan.
• Some overdose symptoms are: pinpoint pupils, vomiting, stupor, dark urine, weak pulse, coma, slow shallow breathing, or no breathing.
• Avoid alcohol when using Percodan since sedation action may increase and may also depress the respiratory system.
• Federal law prohibits the sharing of controlled narcotics like Percodan with others.
• Percodan ® may impair thinking or judgment.
• Aspirin should be avoided in patients with liver disease.
• Percodan ® is contraindicated with use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, and others.
•  Over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or other pain medications should be avoided, unless ordered by a doctor.
• The Oxycodone ingredient in Percodan ® may be habit forming, and must be taken according to doctor’s orders.
• Discontinue gradually, only under doctor’s care.
• Percodan ® may cause physical or psychological dependence.
• Provokes severe withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation after chronic use.
• Use with sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol increases harmful side effects  like dizziness or unconsciousness.
• Prolonged, increased dosage other than prescribed can lead to dependency.
• Among 6.4 million Americans using prescriptions for non-medical purposes, more than 73% abused pain relievers like Percodan ® (2006, National Household Survey).