Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Vicodin as follows:
- Do not take Vicodin with any medications having the potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, Diazepam and Temazepam. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with Vicodin and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression.
- Vicodin is metabolized by the liver and Vicodin intake can lead to hepatic injury. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Vicodin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Vicodin for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Vicodin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered for evaluation of hepatic function.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening pain, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
