Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Nausea: What Users Say

• Fre...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 7, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I understand about the opioids crisis, BUT what about the elderly that go to the doctor monthly and even get random drug tested? I have been on Norco for years for RA and also hardware that my body is rejected. All of a sudden, these different manufacturers' brands of meds are given to us, and the pharmacies do not tell us that they changed it. I’ve lost 10 pounds in 30 days because of being sick to my stomach. I can only take yellow Norco, but haven’t gotten it in over a year. Even when my doctor requests it, I don’t get it. No one is carrying the yellow Norco. This is not right. We are really hurting. We can’t get any relief!!!"

• LAM...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 2, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "CVS had generic Norco by Sun Pharma. No vomiting, migraines, upset stomach. CVS had Aurobindo generic, pain was 8, after 2 tablets a 7, nausea was bad. I wrote to the CVS CEO, and he told the pharmacist to order a brand that worked for me. The pharmacy manager got angry and refused to fill my pain medication, then she told my doctor. I had to go to a pain management doctor. On the first visit, the doctor came in and said, 'I read your chart, you’ve had everything done to try and help your pain, so why are you here?' I explained, 'I’m here because of a pharmacist.' I explained, and he was shocked that a pharmacist could do this with all my surgeries. A pharmacist would complain about four pain pills a day. The doctor wrote my prescription and added 'do not fill with Mallinckrodt, Aurobindo, or Amneal.' For 2 years, no problems, but in the last few months, CVS said no Sun, really!! Every pharmacy refuses to order other brands, and every pharmacy I call says we only carry Mallinckrodt. The FDA said if no one calls to complain, then things won’t change."

• Ros...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 2, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I’m 72 years old with severe arthritis and sciatic nerve pain. I’ve been taking hydrocodone for over 20 years with excellent pain relief and able to live somewhat of a normal life. I cannot sleep on a regular mattress and for many years sleep in a recliner. Lately, I’ve been helping my son and daughter-in-law babysitting my 3 grandsons which is not easy. As most, the manufacturer is Mallinckrodt. The script I just had filled is way different! The pain doesn’t subside and I literally feel very sick! While I normally feel pain relief and also more alert, I now feel I can’t stay awake and honestly feel horrible! I’ve called all pharmacies and they all use nothing but Mallinckrodt! Also, none of them have the name brand Norco anymore! When I was getting Norco, when colored yellow that worked the best. Since the change to white, it’s never been the same."

• Pai...
• August 25, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Fibro, CF, deg. arthritis, bilateral TJR of jaw. Have side effects to most meds. Norco works best. Generic Norco quality declined substantially since 2017. Used to take Qualitest generic 10/325, worked great, then Watson. Mallinckrodt, awful, did I mention AWFUL? Felt as if I took nothing, nausea, and dizziness. Tried Par brand, bad as Mallinckrodt. Dr. documents chart about lack of effectiveness of generic brands. Called a small pharmacy, asked to order brand name Norco. Did this without any hassle or judgment. Costs $500 for 100, Rx is 180 per month. I pay $10 or less for generics. Good news, brand name Norco works great, no side effects, pain 8 goes down to 3-4. Bad news, can't afford. Require insurance coverage, have documented generics give no pain relief. Think generic fillers are poor quality, and this is why they don't work for a lot of us in pain. Assume brand name has better quality fillers. It's unfair we have sub-par meds. Not all generics work as well as brand names, as they claim. Brand: Allergan, white, oblong, NORCO 539."

• Nur...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2020

For Back Pain "I have been taking Hydrocodone for about 10 years. I have back issues (need surgery), an ankle that I had surgery on several years ago that gives me problems all the time, and severe arthritis in my hands. I also have a bad left knee and a right rotator cuff issues. My body is just beat up and worn out. The biggest reason is from being a Registered Nurse in the hospital setting for 20 years. Anyway, I noticed a change in the medication for the first time about a year ago. Then again about 3 months ago. The changes are VERY NOTABLE!! I have nausea, ringing in ears, less pain relief, and dizziness so bad I feel like I have vertigo (which I don't - I had that checked). It is the Mallinckrodt manufacturer. The fact they change the formulas on medications and don't let people know is terrible. Whether it's the dosage of the pain medication in it or fillers, it could potentially be a fatal issue if someone has an allergy. The street addicts - the ones that take any and everything to get high - have ruined the lives of true pain sufferers!!!"

• Me1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2022

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "This is no longer like it contains hydrocodone. For the last 2 and 1/2 years, these drug makers have been messing with the formula, and it's like they're poisoning us, using us as lab rats, and it's absolutely disgusting. My newest refill from the same manufacturer I've been on for 5 years caused severe dizziness. I couldn't even walk, I was walking into walls, it was so bad. Yep, my doctor says I'm the only one with this complaint. LOL. Are you people not reporting this to your doctor, the drug maker, and to the FDA? Wake up and start reporting this crap. This is unbelievable that this is allowed to continue this long. Some of us still are forced to go to work, and there's no way I can work like this. I'm scared to death what I'm going to do now. And for you pharmacists who claim that dizziness is a side effect, sorry, when you're taking the same drug for 7 years, it doesn't all of a sudden start causing these severe side effects including sleeplessness, sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, and nausea."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 26, 2020

For Back Pain "I have chronic back pain from an injury to 5th lumbar region. I had back surgery in 1997. The surgery gave me pain relief for two years, and that was it. Now my entire back hurts from top to bottom with pain going down left leg. I have been taking hydrocodone since 2003, and it has always worked for me. Giving me enough pain relief to live an active life. Within the last two years, I have noticed that the hydrocodone wasn't taking away my pain like it used to. Now it doesn't work at all. My last prescription was Tris PHARMA brand. This medication is comparable to Mallinckrodt brand. I have nausea, ringing in ears, headaches, and severe dizziness. I feel like I am going to fall over when I get up. Is there anyone out there who can help us? Who represents the people who have to take pain medications to live? My quality of life is now gone. We need help here!"

• Fri...
• June 8, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have been on Hydrocodone 10/325 for about 2 years, and when the generics stopped working, or made me sick, this website helped me find a brand that works. First, my bad experience was with Lupin (severe nausea and headache with little pain relief) and Mallinckrodt (which used to work but a few months ago stopped being effective). The yellow pills with the V on them are the only ones that work, they are made by Qualitest, which is now Par Pharmaceuticals. None of the big retail pharmacy chains will order them. I called several local pharmacies until I found one who will order them and keep them in stock for me. They’re only open 5 days a week and I have to drive about 35-40 minutes round trip to get them, but it’s worth it. I hope this can help others, and thank you to those of you who recommended this brand to me. I finally have my quality of life back."

• Pai...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 15, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "This is by far the worst brand of hydrocodone I have ever taken. Makes me sick to my stomach and does not help with my back pain at all. And it's a waste of a prescription. Watson brand is by far the best with no side effects and does its job. I do not know what fillers you're putting in this junk but you need to take it off the market. I had to change my pharmacy to get a brand that works because of the side effects of this junk. I couldn't be more serious. I'm after pain relief not a high and certainly not to be sick at my stomach from taking it."

• Jka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2019

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I had cancer and an autoimmune disorder which ended with several surgeries and resulted in a lot of generalized pain. My doc prescribed Norco 5/325 three times a day then had to double the dose. Mallinckrodt was the pharmaceutical manufacturer. This medicine absolutely did nothing for pain and actually caused other issues such as GI problems including abdominal cramps and nausea. After switching to another brand, my pain was relieved significantly and no abdominal issues. As a medical professional, I do not recommend this manufacturer EVER."

• Rea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 13, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "With brand Norco or Watson Hydrocodone at one a day, I experienced occasional itchy nose, occasional mild nausea, occasional constipation. Now at six Mallinckrodt brand Hydrocodone, I have no side effects. Along with minimal pain relief. Billions of dollars are being spent on these inferior drugs. People's money, insurance companies, taxpayers' money in the trash, and people suffering! What a joke the FDA is. Time for a federal lawsuit against the FDA and Mallinckrodt, as well as anyone else who stood by while this is going on. This is not the solution to a few bad apples that misuse/abuse their medication. There are many more people who have been using it responsibly, and it's not hard to distinguish the addicts from the people who want to be able to live their lives without agony and depression from constant pain. It may be sad when abusers overdose, but it's worse when honest, deserving patients give up due to no pain relief."

• MLB...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 4, 2020

For Pain "Those with concerns regarding current generic pain medications are not imagining anything. After a gunshot left me with debilitating pain close to 20 years ago, I was hesitant to begin opioid therapy. I was initially given numerous non-opiate meds to try and control the pain (Elavil, Neurontin, etc). After a few years, I ultimately ended up being prescribed Norco 10/325. Norco 10/325 worked wonders for me for years. All of a sudden, around the end of 2017, I filled my prescription and was notified that the pharmacy carries a new 'manufacturer's' brand. Ok, I thought no big deal, right? Well, it was a very big deal. That first generic I tried did zero except make me nauseous, so I changed pharmacies. The 2nd generic just made me feel weird & anxious. I stuck with the 3rd generic, Mallinckrodt, which is okay sometimes (very hit & miss, no stability). My physician has offered to prescribe me stronger meds, and despite my hesitation, I may need to change. Best of luck to you all!"

• Fin...
• July 24, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I’ve been taking the generic Vicodin 7.5/325 for 15 years due to failed back surgeries. Walgreens is my pharmacy. They changed brands from Watson to Mallinckrodt and never told me. I noticed I was sick to my stomach all the time, had headaches, and felt tired. I didn’t know what was going on. When I got a refill on my inhaler, they changed that too. So, I checked my pills and realized they changed them without informing me! Now, I have to deal with this for a month. The pharmacist tried to assure me there is no difference in them, but that just makes me upset. I don’t appreciate being told something I know better!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2014

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about seven years ago. I have taken Norco as prescribed by my physician along with other medications. Norco has improved my quality of life 100% as it allows me to manage down my pain level so that I am capable of conducting everyday living without that heavy narcotic side effects i.e., feeling 'high', sleepiness, nausea, abdominal discomfort. I think I have developed a mild physical or mental dependence due to the length of time that I've been on the medicine. First and foremost I take the medicine as directed and I do not wait until my pain level is at a 10 before I act otherwise its effects are limited. Norco has been very helpful in giving me my life back!"

• Pat...
• March 31, 2023

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I have had surgery to replace my fractured C5 vertebrae with bone harvested from my hip; I have had back surgery to replace a disk; and I have had spinal fusion surgery. I now have arthritis in my hand and shoulder. I have taken Norco 10s for the pain over the years and have found them to be highly effective with no side effects or withdrawal symptoms. My doctor prescribed Norco 10 for my arthritis, but the only medication the pharmacies in my area carry is manufactured by Mallinckrodt, and they are terrible! They don't reduce the pain AT ALL, but they're GREAT at making me nauseous. If your doctor prescribes generic Norco 10s by manufacturer Mallinckrodt, don't bother - the product is worthless."

• Mma...
• January 1, 2020

For Back Pain "I've had six lower back procedures along with a neck disc replacement and a cage. I was on the Par brand of hydrocodone with acetaminophen and took only one half of the pill, and it would help the pain. My doctor changed me to the brand Lupin India Pharma of it, and I need to take four of these Lupin, and they still do nothing but cause more pain, withdrawals, and nausea. I lived in the United States of America, but I feel that after every pharmacy in my area only carries India-manufactured meds. This is seriously hurting us that are in actual pain. Why would our government allow these CVS and every other big chain corporation to even stock this garbage knowing that these meds are 99 percent ineffective? Why should we trust these U.S. pharmacies that carry such garbage? This has become a disaster for me trying to function daily. We need a voice. America is known for freedom and freedom of speech, but what about freedom from debilitating pain?"

• Bob...
• June 17, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Vicodin and Norco seem consistent and without adverse side effects. I was able to work, go to school, take care of all the necessities of a busy and productive life, even with pain from spondylosis. There has been a supply issue with the inception of the 'opioid crisis.' Legitimate patients are unable to fill their prescriptions. Mallinckrodt brand gave me what can be described as flu-like symptoms: nausea, ringing in my ears, headache, and general malaise. I checked the ingredients list to see if there was anything I was allergic to in the filler. I see nothing amiss. This is a mystery indeed. NORCO is unavailable at any pharmacy I have inquired at, and the preferred generic from Camber Pharmaceuticals is also not available. Whether this is a manufacturing issue, a supply issue, or a corporate issue (higher profits from offering a cheaper generic), I do not know."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

For Pain "I refilled my prescription a week ago for my regular acetaminophen with hydrocodone, and the pharmacy gave me these pills. The manufacturer is Lupin, imprint is N 358 and 10 on the reverse side. This is the first time using this brand of pills, and they are awful! I constantly have a headache and nausea, so much so that I actually vomited after taking one. I thought I had a stomach bug or something, but I realized it started when I started my new bottle of hydros, and nothing in terms of pain relief. Also, I feel more tired and depressed. The FDA needs to take these off the market."

• Jax...
• March 29, 2019

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Both Norco and its generic Actavis version 5-300 mg (white scored tablets) caused such a reaction that I turned in both prescriptions to the local police department's medication drop. CVS noted I could not take Norco, yet one month later they filled a prescription with the generic form by Actavis. Once again, I was violently ill. For me, Mallinckrodt white oval scored tablet 5-300 mg is a marvel. No side effects whatsoever, just absolute pain relief in 30-45 minutes. Effective up to 5 hours, even 1/2 tablet is effective within an hour and lasts perhaps 4-4:30 hours. CVS now only carries LUPIN Pharmaceuticals for generic Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 5-300 mg. Agh! Massive headache, waves of nausea, and dizzying lightheadedness-no pain relief."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2023

For Pain "I agree totally with these other people. I have 2 compression fractures and bulges all down my back. I also have neck and shoulder issues. I have taken Norco for many years but recently had to change pharmacies because mine decided to sell out to Walgreens. Since then, I have been getting the ER pills, and I have called an ambulance 4 times, with 2 taking me to the ER. The last one was today. My blood pressure was 175/84, and my heart rate was 140. I was very dizzy and lightheaded, my throat swelled, my lips felt swollen, was nauseous, and had a headache every time. These pills cause more problems than they are worth to me. I pray the powers that be have the presence of mind to give us our medicine back before I end up having a stroke."

• TJJ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 7, 2018

For Back Pain "I agree with everyone! There is ABSOLUTELY no way they are putting the whole narcotic amount they are supposed to have in these useless M367 pills (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals brand). Someone with some clout needs to turn this company in to the FDA. I have been on the Watson brand for 4 years, for a myriad of health problems. These meds made me feel dizzy, sick to my stomach, and DO NOT HELP with the pain at all. The Watsons worked, M367 DO NOT. Maybe the Feds are in on it to make us suffer, or maybe the company is scheming narcotic off the books. All I know is these Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals M367 DON'T WORK!"

• Rin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 28, 2019

For Back Pain "I have severe back issues, DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), arthritis, and was in a car accident. I have taken Norco, 10/325 with Watson on it, for over 10 years. I took 2 a day and was great, I could work all day, sleep great, I was able to be very productive in my life and career. This brand is horrible, does not touch the pain, makes me itch, nauseated, and bloated. I'm less functional and really irritated. I have pain the majority of every day. Here where I live, almost everywhere has this brand. I wish they had the Activist white Watson. I found an old one and 'WOW,' I could function, and that proved it is in fact the other brand is like a placebo... I'd like to report this, I will research how."

• Tak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "These generic pain medications are horrible. Many times they have no manufacturer name on them. I am being given one now that gives me vertigo every single day, all day long. I lose my balance, have severe headaches, am nauseated, and have blurry vision. These side effects have me bedridden now. I am drowsy and sleep a lot. There was a note on my account with the pharmacy to not give this brand to me, but now I am being told, 'You get what we have.' I was willing to pay out of pocket for name brand, I was told, 'No one stocks name brand anymore.' I went to every pharmacy in our area and called ones that were not so close. I now don't have the energy to move and take care of many things. If I don't take them, I am in too much pain. Just as bad is the attitudes of the pharmacists now thinking it's open season on people who need these medications. They talk over me, they talk down to me, and everyone ignores me and acts like I am not a person."

• Man...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 10, 2023

For Pain "I've been in pain management since 2012 and was Rx'd hydrocodone/APAP 5-325. The Watson brand worked great. Fast forward to 2022, and the pharmacy switched to Mallinckrodt. It didn't control my pain and made me very nauseous, which I hadn't experienced before, and it also made me itchy. I had to take Benadryl before taking it to control the nausea and itching. I hadn't made the connection to how I was reacting to it until last Friday when my pharmacy switched to a different manufacturer, Lupin. I took my pill before bed and noticed that it looked different. I forgot to take Benadryl beforehand, so I thought I was in for a rough night. Lo and behold, no nausea and no itching! Wondering if Mallinckrodt puts extra things in theirs that shouldn't be. Either that or it's possibly the bitartrate, which I don't think Lupin uses in theirs. After seeing the reviews here, I now know I'm NOT crazy and it's not all in my head! Lupin: 10 stars. Mallinckrodt: 0 (sad trombone)."

• GRG...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 13, 2019

For Pain "Unfortunately, I’ve been on various hydrocodone/APAP (acetaminophen) combinations since 2001 for chronic pain caused by a gunshot that caused irreparable damage. For about the last 4 years, I’ve been prescribed Norco 10/325. All was well until around the end of 2017. My regular pharmacy began carrying a different generic than the previous Watson brand I was receiving. Prior to this, I did have a few occasions where I did receive a different brand than Watson but never noticed any difference in quality (prior to 2014). Since Watson is long gone, I’ve tried probably 4 different generics, and they are total garbage. They either had no effect or too many negative side effects (heavy sedation, nausea, overall lousy feeling, etc.). Luckily, my doctor and pharmacist are knowledgeable and do not believe in the “generics are the exact same” philosophy. My doctor recently put me on Nalocet (name brand, made in the USA & held to higher standards), and my pain has been properly brought back under control."