Acetaminophen / hydrocodone and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Mea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 19, 2020

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "This is an update. The last 3 months of Tris brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone (generic Norco) has felt like taking nothing. My new refill Friday of January 17 now feels like I'm taking a completely different medication. This is not hydrocodone in these pills!!! I am tired, dizzy, have a headache, and a little upset stomach. These manufacturers are doing some sort of testing on consumers, using us as lab rats, and it's sickening. PLEASE, PEOPLE, FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE COMPANIES AND FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE FDA ONLINE FORMS EVERY DAY UNTIL THEY GET INVESTIGATED."

• Sue...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 24, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I can tell you right now the Mallinckrodt hydrocodone has been changed! I don’t think there is anything in them for pain, I believe they are taking it off the market. I, for one, don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m 60, I’ve had 5 back surgeries, 1 neck surgery, I have been in pain for 13 years and have been taking the same dose for just as long! I’m sick to my stomach, puke, I’ve had a cluster headache for over two months, dizzy, gaining weight, tired all the time! Why would the government do this to people that truly need this medication. I’m not a kid sneaking pills out of the medicine cabinet! I wish I knew who to call about Mallinckrodt! This stuff is nasty, I’m worried there is something going into it that could really hurt us! My god, what can we do?"

• Spi...
• April 24, 2019

For Back Pain "I've been on Watson acetaminophen/hydrocodone 10/325 for the last 8 years and it has been the best medication that has worked, then out of the blue this Mallinckrodt acetaminophen/hydrocodone brand came along, along with the medication not working nearly as well and having an upset stomach and Walgreens does not do damn thing about it. I'm stuck taking something that does not work and corporate America does not care about the little people, they just care about making more money."

• bka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I could tell a difference the first tablet I took; it gave me a stomach ache and made me feel almost lethargic after an hour or so. I thought my condition was maybe getting worse. I stopped taking the prescribed amount and just used it when needed; I felt awful for weeks. I got my new prescription of a different brand, M365, and OMG I feel like me again without the side effects of this drug. I will be sure to let the pharmacy know that I cannot take this brand due to too many different side effects."

• Pai...
• August 12, 2019

For Pain "So, as everyone above! It is so sad that we have to suffer because our voice doesn't count! I am in extreme pain, and it just seems like nobody cares? Watson was a great relief for me, but now, nothing just gives me headaches, upset stomach, and sleepiness? When I wake up, pain is still there. Not sure what to do as I am truly sick, doctors know it! But they have no say in what pharmacies carry! I am upset with Walgreens as I have been with them for 12 years."

• ret...
• March 2, 2019

For Back Pain "No longer getting pain relief. I'm 70 years old, no problems controlling my pain until recent drug company changes. My pain level is much higher with the same dosage. Have 2 degenerative discs in the upper and lower back, fractured vertebrae mid-back inoperable due to osteoporosis. I was taking 10-325 twice daily for 6 years, that worked well with periodic spinal injections. I was functional with minimal discomfort. Now my pain level is through the roof on the same dosage. PCP had to add Nexium and probiotic because I'm having stomach problems with this new formula. Expected to be made comfortable in my dotage and was managing that very well. Now I'm in excruciating pain again and have additional problems to boot. Seniors need the government to step in, IMHO."

• Ron...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2020

For Back Pain "I am glad I found this. I was starting to think it was all in my head. My Rite Aid recently switched my hydrocodone to the yellow generic Camber ones. These give me an upset stomach and really bad insomnia. When I take them, I feel like I'm hyped up, and yet they don't work as well. I called the pharmacist, and he told me Rite Aid has switched to this manufacturer for now. They act so weird about this medicine that I hate to transfer pharmacies for just that, but I feel that the pills are actually worthless, it's like taking a couple of Tylenol and getting this upset stomach."

• Ank...
• May 12, 2019

For Pain "I recently started having severe ankle pain (maybe RA, still trying to diagnose), and finally had to resort to asking my awesome doctor for a prescription pain medicine, which I try not to do because of all the hype. But pain is pain, and it’s real, and we need relief. I have taken Norco in the past occasionally for different issues throughout the years, but it’s been a couple of years since I needed anything. I usually go to the pharmacy for everything, they gave me some LUPIN Pharm acetaminophen with hydrocodone, and WOW, they were awful - they don't work! Didn’t even take any pain away, make my stomach hurt (and I ate an hour before). I had to call my doctor because the pharmacy couldn’t take 'em back, and I was screwed out of my pain medicine because these prescriptions aren’t easy to come by. Thank god I have a good doctor, and he worked with me and called Norco in to a different pharmacy that we made sure used a different manufacturer, it was night and day the Norco acetaminophen/hydrocodone works! Within 30 minutes, my pain improved tremendously! LUPIN is rubbish!"

• Liz...
• January 13, 2017

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Works better than 5 mg oxycodone. I do not feel that the 5/325 Norco works at all, but the 10/325 does help. Some people can and will get an upset stomach when taking it. All you have to do is ask for some nausea medication to go with it. I think it is a bit ridiculous that it is so hard to get, especially when you are in extreme pain. I honestly feel that it helps with my fibromyalgia pain as well, not fully, but it does help."

• Sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

For Back Pain "Was given Rhodes Pha brand of acetaminophen with hydrocodone and doesn't take pain away but makes me tired and nauseated. My stomach hurts, head hurts, feel like the pill is garbage. Thank God I didn't pay for it. I've been through a lot of makers, and this is the newest and no good brand. Yes, name makes a difference. Kaiser has the best to my knowledge. It's not in your head, and all pills are not the same. If they were, they'd have one maker. And I get 10/325, just not the same. It's no wonder so many overdoses occur, these new pills don't work anymore."

• Rst...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking hydrocodone for eight years for spinal degeneration and bone spurs. Walgreens used to have Watson brand hydrocodone. Then they switched to Mallinckrodt. Their version of hydrocodone is terrible. They are not nearly as effective at stopping my pain, they also put me in a terrible depressed mood. They also upset my stomach and even cause stomach pain. I had none of those issues in all the years of taking the Watson brand. Is Mallinckrodt making hydrocodone weaker, and what kind of fillers are they using that cause stomach problems?"

• Mic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 18, 2020

For Back Pain "I have been taking hydrocodone for 10 years to be able to work. I have had many manufacturers over the years, unfortunately, Amneal is the worst one for my pain. I literally have withdrawals and stomach aches switching to your brand and still in severe pain! They don't work well compared to other manufacturers. Sorry!"

• Wny...
• May 24, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "In the past four years, my disease has progressed. I have been able to control my pain with hydrocodone. Recently started getting Watson 853. The pain has returned, now stomach upset and headache. Plus tired all the time. I take 2 10 mg 325. Now I feel I have to take more. I have read on other sites that Watson was bought by another company. What did they do? Please let us consumers and chronic pain patients the respect we deserve, and tell the truth. We're not crazy, you changed the active binding ingredients. Was this to save money? Well, I'd rather stop purchasing this placebo and deal with my pain. I just hope that no one dies by taking too much. Because I've read how patients are over-medicating to get relief."

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2020

For Back Pain "The experience is with Narco 10/325, and over the past few years I've complained to the pharmacy and my doctor about the different effects that I'm experiencing from month to month. Born affected by polio, my biggest issue is hip pain, but the medication is creating issues with a previously broken ankle, causing pain to that area, same for a hurt knee. But the greatest problem is swelling in my feet, ankles, and lower legs, to the point of creating difficulties walking and stability. This is a continuous side effect when taking the medication. During the summer months, I can only help my pain with ibuprofen, causing great stomach discomfort even if I eat before. But after about 4 days or so, nearly all the symptoms from taking the Narco 10/325 knockoff are just about gone, except for the burning stinging of my feet, which I fear may become permanent. My doctor thinks I'm just creating this in my head."

• KLB...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 14, 2020

For Back Pain "I’ve been taking Percocet 10/325’s almost continuously since 2012. I’ve had 3 back surgeries, including 2 fusions. I never had any problems with my medication until my pharmacy began dispensing the Lupin manufacturer, pill identifier N493. I began suffering what I now realize were withdrawal symptoms: horrible, nonstop drenching sweats, stomach problems, severe joint pain, and no pain relief. I discussed this with my doctor, and he tried requesting brand name only. Unfortunately, I cannot afford $2,000 a month for my Rx, so this was not an option. My Costco pharmacy advised me that this was their preferred manufacturer and I had no choice but to take what they dispensed. And if I call around to other pharmacies, I’ll be looked at as a drug-seeking pharmacy shopper (even though I’ve been taking my medication responsibly and without exceeding the prescribed dosage for 8 years). So my only choice is to roll the dice each month and pray I don’t get Lupin."

• Red...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 22, 2021

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "Short but to the point. I agree with almost all of these posts. Broke my back in 1993, have taken every pain medication on the market (back when doctors were able to help their patients). After my fourth surgery, doctors say that was all they could do for me, and I would be on pain management the rest of my life. Well, like most, I too have seen a drop in pain relief from generic Norco, been taking these since 2004 and used to work just fine. Nothing gets rid of all the pain, but helps to have a life, so to speak. The past couple of years, I have not only experienced a lack of pain control, but hives from some manufacturer (Eywa Pharmaceutical, blue pill purchased from Winn-Dixie being the cheapest), along with stomach problems with Amnell, and of course, Mallinckrodt's severe lack of pain management. But stuck as more and more companies are being forced out of the market."

• Smi...
• June 17, 2017

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I broke my femur at the top and had surgery to put in a plate and pins. The pain is almost intolerable. At first, I was given oxy, but did not tolerate it well. The Dr. switched me to Norco, and I am alert, awake, and best of all, out of pain. I get an upset stomach occasionally, but the Dr. has given me a prescription that controls that."

• bre...
• June 2, 2013

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Back Pain "I have a blown-out knee and major back issues, needing surgery on my back and a knee replacement. Also, two out of four left shoulder ligaments are torn in half. If not for Vicodin, I would not make it through a day. The only side effect I have once in a while is constipation and upset stomach. I've been on this pain regimen for four years. There are good days and real bad days where nothing helps."

• Hat...
• October 12, 2017

For Pain "This was a very effective medicine for chronic pain, nerve damage, and peripheral neuropathy. Kaiser has now chosen to use M367's, which have a binder on it that is not soluble in the intestinal tract and causes stomach upset and no effect of the supposed narcotic contained. The binder prevents absorption, which in effect means you are spending money on poop. Shame on Kaiser for punishing those who do not abuse the real Vicodins/Norco 10/325, and shame on the Feds who lump all people who take Vicodin into an abuser category."

• Des...
• November 11, 2017

For Back Pain "I have degenerative disc disease, a bulging disc, and arthritis in my back and neck. I used Norco yellow pill, recently, 2 months ago, Kaiser changed the manufacturer to Mallinckrodt, and I am having horrible side effects and new unusual pain (like I'm withdrawing or tapering off, and I'm taking the same dosage). I'm also extremely tired and fatigued, which I've never experienced. I was in denial that it was the change of manufacturer, but now I'm convinced it's the Mallinckrodt brand. Prior to the yellow pill, my pain decreased significantly, and I was able to work and do normal activities. Now I'm exhausted, in severe pain, and having an upset stomach. Why is a change in manufacturer causing this? Is something wrong with the Mallinckrodt manufacturer?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 3, 2022

For Back Pain "Whoever manufactured this should be put out of business. I have taken a different form of this for over 20 years, and this has caused me to have serious problems with my stomach. Make it right or don't make it at all!"

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2009

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "Recently, I was put on Norco for a hand injury sustained several years earlier. It has helped my hand tremendously! I can actually use it. I love the fact that it has less acetaminophen and doesn't make my stomach hurt. It is a miracle."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2009

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "The only problem I have had with Vicodin is that it really upsets my stomach. Whether I have an empty stomach, full stomach, or whether I eat right after I take it or right before. It doesn't matter. Still makes me so sick. So my doctor suggested that I crush it and add it to yogurt or something of that sort, and it has been helping a lot. I don't know what the difference is, but hey, it works and I'm pain free."

• MJA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2013

For Back Pain "It helps my pains quickly, but it also upsets my stomach (yes, I eat). It makes me sweat, lightheaded, vomit a lot when I take this medicine. Sometimes, I want to quit taking it, but this is the only medication I have ever taken that really helps the pains in my lower back."

• jai...
• May 16, 2009

Acetaminophen / hydrocodone for Pain "I had a torn tendon in my knee and had to have surgery. They gave me this for my pain. It has been relatively good. It takes my pain away for about 4 hours, then I need to take it again. But now I've got to take it every 6 hours, and it doesn't last that long. So for 2 hours I have to suffer. So for long-lasting pain management, it doesn't work that well, but for short-term, it's great. And it doesn't upset my stomach."