Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: My husband has ddd and liver damage. his doc has perscribed him hidrocodone IBU 750 and he's been on them for over a year now. no other meds seem to work but I'm afraid of the effects the long term use of this drug will do to my 33 year old husband. is there any thing not as dangerous or addictive besids sergery because physical therapy hasn't worked and sergery is tooo risky.

Dear Tiffany: Hydrocodone is a potent analgesic (pain killer), that belongs to the opiate group of drugs, it is highly addictive, and the withdrawal symptoms are severe, such as fever, chills, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. In some cases, when use of the drug is stopped too abruptly, long-term users can even suffer convulsions. Also a Psychological dependency it is described after long-term use of hydrocodone. Attempts to stop using of the drug or lowering regular doses can cause intense cravings.

Specifically the Hydrocodone IBU 750 is the combination of hydrocodone and Ibuprofen. Long-term side effects associated with this medication are typically in the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, gastritis, internal bleeding and kidney problems can result from long-term HydrocodoneIBU750 (“Vicoprofen”) use.

There are not too many alternatives for the patients that have contraindications for Hydrocodone/IBU750, and also have hepatic disease, because the majority of drugs prescribed for pain are metabolized in the liver. Your husband could try taking only anti inflammatory (i.e.: “aleve”, “motrin”) if approved by your doctor.