
There is a new formulation of brand name Vicodin (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets) which contains less acetaminophen (Tylenol) than the previous dosage strength. Here is some important information for patients and health care providers regarding this new dosage strength and how patients can avoid liver toxicity from acetaminophen.
What FDA officials are saying
As requested by the FDA, Abbott is stopping production and distribution of the current Vicodin formulation and asking all pharmacies to return the current formulations in a timely manner to prevent confusion and potential dispensing errors when the new formulations are introduced.
The new formulations of Vicodin from Abbott are available now at the pharmacy:
However, manufactures of generic Vicodin, Norco, Percocet such as Endo Pharmaceuticals, Watson Pharmaceuticals and UCB Pharma have not yet responded to the new FDA request to reduce the acetaminophen dose in their combination products.
Most private insurance plans and Medicare/Medicaid do not cover brand name Vicodin. Since a generic version of the new Vicodin formulation is not yet available, patients should contact their insurance provider for copay information. If prior authorization or brand name Vicodin is not covered, doctors should request authorization or a change in regimen to prevent delaying treatment.
It is always good practice for patients to be aware of what is in their medication, the dosage, the strength, indication (uses) as well as potential side effects. Patients should inform their health care providers immediately if they suspect that they have taken too much acetaminophen or have any concerns.
Why is there a new dosage of acetaminophen in Vicodin
Acetaminophen, one of the most commonly used medications in the United States for pain and fever, has been associated with cases of liver failure that resulted in liver transplant and even death. Liver injury caused by acetaminophen most often occur when patients exceed the recommended dose of 4000 mg/day. This may occur because they are unaware of the acetaminophen component in their combination products.
There are nearly 60,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 458 deaths related to acetaminophen associated overdose annually.
Three most common causes for acetaminophen overdose
How does acetaminophen cause liver injury
When acetaminophen is metabolizing in the body, small amounts of acetaminophen are converted to a toxic metabolite that binds to liver proteins to cause cellular injury. The extend of liver injury depends greatly on the amount of toxic metabolite and the ability of the liver to remove the metabolite before it binds to the liver protein.
What are the signs and symptoms of acetaminophen overdose
Nausea, vomiting, malaise (sick feeling), loss of skin color, sweating, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice (yellowish skin), low blood glucose, failure of several organs
How can you avoid acetaminophen liver toxicity
List of Prescrition Medications that Contain Acetaminophen
List of Over the Counter Medications with Acetaminophen
Resources:
Get Relief Responsibly: by entering your medication in the search box, you find out instantly whether your medication contains acetaminophen.
Abbott Pharmaceutical (1-800255-5162): New Vicodin strength is now available on the market
Watson Pharmaceutical (1-951-493-5300): Manufacturer of Norco, Lortab, Lorcet are unable to comment on the FDA request on lowering the acetaminophen strength in combination tablets.
Endo Pharmaceutical (1-800-462-3636): Manufacturer of Percocet, Percodan, Opana, Opana ER, Endocet, Endodan, Oxymorphone, Zydone and generic morphine are anticipating on removing the current combination products and marketing new strength by January of 2014.
References:
Fontana, Robert J. "Acute Liver Failure including Acetaminophen Overdose."National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 01 July 2008. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.
Laboratories, Abbott. "VICODIN (hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP)."VICODIN (hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP). Abbott, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Prescription Acetaminophen Products to Be Limited to 325 Mg Per Dosage Unit; Boxed Warning Will Highlight Potential for Severe Liver Failure. FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 21 Jan. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.
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