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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aspirin and hydrocodone (Damason-P)?

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person this medicine was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to aspirin or hydrocodone, or if you have:

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia; or
• an allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take aspirin and hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder, history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics;
• asthma or other breathing disorders;
• an enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• a history of head injury or brain tumor; or
• mental illness or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

FDA pregnancy category C. Hydrocodone may cause breathing problems and addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Aspirin may be harmful to an unborn baby's heart, and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. Do not take aspirin and hydrocodone during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

Aspirin and hydrocodone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I take aspirin and hydrocodone (Damason-P)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Aspirin and hydrocodone should be taken with food or a full glass of water to avoid stomach upset.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are taking aspirin and hydrocodone. Ask your doctor about ways to increase the fiber in your diet. Do not use a stool softener (laxative) without first asking your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using aspirin and hydrocodone.

If you need to have any type of medical or dental surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking aspirin and hydrocodone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using aspirin and hydrocodone suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication.

Store aspirin and hydrocodone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take this medication if it has a strong vinegar odor. Call your pharmacist for instructions.

Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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