WARNING

Anexsia, which is a brand name for hydrocodone combination products, generally contains hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) combined with acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever) or another non-opioid medication. It’s used for managing moderate to severe pain. Here are detailed risks and considerations for using Anexsia:

• Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Hydrocodone is an opioid, which carries a risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse. This can lead to overdose or death, especially if taken in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed.
• Respiratory Depression: Opioids like hydrocodone can slow or stop breathing. This is especially dangerous if you have a history of respiratory issues or if combined with other central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines).
• Drowsiness and Impaired Cognitive Function: Hydrocodone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function. Activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, should be avoided.
• Constipation: Opioids often cause constipation, which can become severe and lead to bowel obstruction. Laxatives or stool softeners may be necessary.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting as side effects, which can sometimes be severe.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, though less common, can occur and might include rash, itching, or swelling. Severe reactions could be life-threatening.
• Liver Damage: If the combination product contains acetaminophen, taking high doses or using it long-term can lead to liver damage or failure, especially in individuals with preexisting liver conditions.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Discontinuing hydrocodone abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, muscle pain, runny nose, and sweating.
• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider of any history of substance abuse, mental health disorders, or respiratory issues.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid combining hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, and hydrocodone can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting a breastfeeding baby.

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor for signs of abuse, side effects, and to adjust dosing as needed. Store Anexsia securely to prevent misuse, and follow local guidelines for disposing of unused medications. Always use Anexsia exactly as prescribed and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or experience side effects.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Anexsia, which combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen (or another non-opioid analgesic), is prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. The hydrocodone component is an opioid analgesic that works by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain, while acetaminophen or another non-opioid component can enhance the pain-relieving effects and reduce fever. It’s typically used when pain is not effectively managed by non-opioid medications alone.

How should this medicine be used?

Anexsia should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more frequently than directed.
• Administration: Usually, Anexsia is taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break them.
• Timing: Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to manage pain effectively.
• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking Anexsia, as it can increase the risk of serious side effects.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
• Storage: Store Anexsia at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused medication properly, following local guidelines or drug take-back programs.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about taking Anexsia.

Other uses for this medicine

Aside from managing moderate to severe pain, Anexsia (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is sometimes used off-label for conditions like:

• Cough suppression: The hydrocodone in Anexsia has cough suppressant properties and might be used to manage severe coughs in certain cases, though this is less common.
• Post-surgical pain: It can be prescribed for pain following surgeries or dental procedures.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Anexsia:

• Addiction and Dependence: Hydrocodone can be habit-forming. Use the medication only as prescribed and be aware of the potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse.
• Respiratory Depression: Hydrocodone can slow down breathing. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or unusual drowsiness.
• Alcohol and Other Drugs: Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines) while taking Anexsia. Combining these can increase the risk of severe side effects like respiratory depression.
• Liver Function: Since acetaminophen can affect liver function, avoid taking other medications containing acetaminophen and limit alcohol consumption. Inform your healthcare provider if you have liver disease or any liver-related issues.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Hydrocodone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
• Allergies and Reactions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any known allergies to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or other medications.
• Medical Conditions: Disclose any history of respiratory issues, head injury, kidney or liver disease, or gastrointestinal problems to your healthcare provider.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Hydrocodone can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while taking Anexsia.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions required while taking Anexsia. However, it’s important to:

• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects and respiratory depression.
• Limit Caffeine: Although not a strict requirement, consuming excessive caffeine can exacerbate side effects such as nervousness or restlessness.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as possible.
• Next Dose: If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do Not Double Up: Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Anexsia (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) can cause a range of side effects. Some of these are common and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication, while others may be more serious. Here’s a breakdown:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Feeling unusually sleepy or tired.
• Dizziness: Lightheadedness or feeling unsteady.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Upset stomach or vomiting.
• Constipation: Difficulty or infrequent bowel movements.
• Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production, which can cause a dry feeling in the mouth.
• Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head.

Serious Side Effects:

• Respiratory Depression: Slow or difficult breathing, which can be life-threatening.
• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Severe Liver Damage: Signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
• Mental/Mood Changes: Severe mood swings, confusion, or hallucinations.
• Severe Drowsiness or Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or drowsiness that affects your daily activities.
• Dependency and Addiction: The risk of developing a substance use disorder, especially with long-term use.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.

If you experience any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. For common side effects that persist or become bothersome, contact your healthcare provider to discuss potential adjustments to your treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Anexsia:

• Storage:
  • Store Anexsia at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep the medication in a dry place, away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep Anexsia out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal:
  • Do not flush Anexsia down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so by a specific disposal program.
  • Use a drug take-back program or disposal site if available in your area. Many communities offer medication drop-off locations.
  • If no take-back program is available, you can dispose of Anexsia in household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds) in a sealed bag or container. Check local regulations for any specific disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, loss of consciousness, or unresponsiveness.
• Immediate Action: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Naloxone: If available and you are trained in its use, administer naloxone (Narcan) if an overdose is suspected. Naloxone can reverse the effects of opioid overdose temporarily while awaiting medical help.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor for side effects, effectiveness, and to adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Always inform your healthcare provider of all substances you are taking.
• Legal Status: Hydrocodone is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. Ensure you are using it according to the prescription and legal guidelines.

If you have any questions or experience any issues while taking Anexsia, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance and support.