Brand Name(s): APAP and Propoxyphene, Darvocet A500, Darvocet-N, E-Lor, Genagesic, Propacet, Wygesic

Generic Name Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene

What are acetaminophen-propoxyphene tablets?

ACETAMINOPHEN-PROPOXYPHENE (Darvocet-N® 50, Darvocet-N® 100, Darvocet A500™, Wygesic®) is a combination of two different types of pain medicine and is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Federal law prohibits the transfer of acetaminophen-propoxyphene to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic acetaminophen; propoxyphene tablets are available for Darvcocet-N® 100, Darvcocet-N® 50, and Wygesic®.

What should my health care professional know before I take acetaminophen-propoxyphene?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• anemia
• infection
• heart or circulation problems
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• problems urinating
• seizures or other neurologic disorders
• hepatitis
• constipation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, propoxyphene, other opiate analgesics, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take acetaminophen-propoxyphene tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take acetaminophen-propoxyphene with food to prevent stomach upset. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Do not share this medicine with anyone.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen-propoxyphene?

• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for seizures
• medicines for high blood pressure
• alcohol
• warfarin
• cimetidine
• antacids

Because acetaminophen-propoxyphene can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of acetaminophen-propoxyphene. Some other medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• muscle relaxants
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen-propoxyphene?

Elderly patients are more likely to get side effects.

Rare or uncommon:

• breathing difficulties, wheezing
• cold, clammy skin
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• severe rash
• unusual weakness

More common:

• confusion
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• itching
• clumsiness, unsteadiness
• constipation
• decrease or difficulty passing urine
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• flushing
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• pinpoint pupils
• sweating

What should I watch for while taking acetaminophen-propoxyphene?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or different type of pain. Do not take other pain-killers with acetaminophen-propoxyphene without advice.

Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose due to the possibility of liver or kidney damage.

If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take acetaminophen-propoxyphene with food or milk and never just before lying down.

Acetaminophen-propoxyphene may make you drowsy when you first start taking it or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how acetaminophen-propoxyphene affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking acetaminophen-propoxyphene for a couple of days.

Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with acetaminophen-propoxyphene. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen-propoxyphene.

Acetaminophen-propoxyphene can cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional.

Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.

Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking acetaminophen-propoxyphene.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of acetaminophen-propoxyphene by someone (especially children) other than for whom it was prescribed may result in severe side effects and possibly death.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F) or between 20 and 25 °C (68 and 77 °F) for Darvocet A500™. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.