Serious and Life-Threatening Risks from Use of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen Products

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

• Because the use of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

• Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets are essential.

Accidental Ingestion

• Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone.

Risks From Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

• Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

• If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery.

Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)

• Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction

• The concomitant use of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets with all Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used Cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations. Monitor patients receiving Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets and any Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor or inducer for signs of respiratory depression or sedation.

Hepatotoxicity

• Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4,000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product.