Percocet

Pronunciation: OX-i-KOE-done/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen
Generic Name: Oxycodone/Acetaminophen
Brand Name: Examples include Endocet and Percocet

Percocet contains acetaminophen. Severe and sometimes fatal liver problems, including the need for liver transplant, have been reported with the use of acetaminophen. Most cases of these liver problems occurred in patients taking excessive doses of acetaminophen (more than 4,000 mg per day). Also, patients who developed these liver problems were often using more than 1 medicine that contained acetaminophen. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Percocet is used for:

Relieving moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Percocet is a combination of a narcotic and an analgesic/antipyretic. It works in the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

Do NOT use Percocet if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Percocet


• you have high blood carbon dioxide levels (hypercarbia) or a certain severe bowel problem (paralytic ileus)


• you have severely slow or difficult breathing or severe asthma, or you are having an asthma attack


• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Percocet:

Some medical conditions may interact with Percocet. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have had an allergic reaction to any codeine- or morphine-related medicine (eg, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, hydromorphone)


• if you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung or breathing problems


• if you have or recently have had any head injury, increased pressure in the brain, growths in the brain (eg, tumors), or infection of the brain or nervous system


• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, cor pulmonale), low blood pressure, the blood disease porphyria, stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage, paralysis), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, liver problems (eg, hepatitis), kidney problems, seizures, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems (eg, Addison disease), curvature of the spine (scoliosis), prostate problems (eg, an enlarged prostate), or trouble urinating


• if you are in very poor health; are dehydrated or have low blood volume; or have drowsiness, stomach pain, or severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic use (pseudomembranous colitis)


• if you drink alcohol; have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, mood or mental problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions; or are going through withdrawal from alcohol or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Percocet. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine, oxybutynin) because the risk of a certain severe bowel problem (paralytic ileus) may be increased


• Cimetidine, muscle relaxants (eg, cyclobenzaprine), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or sulfinpyrazone because the risk of side effects, such as severe drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing, confusion, and seizures, may be increased


• Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), clarithromycin, isoniazid, nefazodone, protease inhibitors (eg, boceprevir, ritonavir), or telithromycin because they may increase the risk of Percocet's side effects


• Buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, naltrexone, pentazocine, or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Percocet's effectiveness


• Lamotrigine, loop diuretics (eg, furosemide), or zidovudine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Percocet


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Percocet


• Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, methotrexate, certain medicines for HIV infection) because the risk of liver side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Percocet may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Percocet:

Use Percocet as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Percocet by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.


• If you have been taking Percocet regularly or for longer than a few weeks, do not suddenly stop taking it without checking with your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually lower your dose.


• If Percocet is no longer needed, dispose of the unused tablets by flushing them down the toilet.


• If you miss a dose of Percocet and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Percocet.

Important safety information:

• Percocet may cause dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Percocet with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Percocet may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Percocet.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers, narcotic pain medicines) while you are using Percocet; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or take more often than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Percocet before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Percocet may cause constipation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about using a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. It is also important to maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise to prevent constipation. If you become constipated while taking Percocet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Percocet may harm your liver. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are using Percocet. Talk to your doctor before you take Percocet or other fever reducers if you drink alcohol.


• Percocet has acetaminophen in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has acetaminophen in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Contact your doctor right away if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day, even if you feel well.


• Percocet may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Percocet.


• Use Percocet with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially breathing problems and drowsiness.


• Percocet should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Percocet while you are pregnant. Percocet is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Percocet.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Percocet may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Percocet stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

Some people who use Percocet for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you suddenly stop taking Percocet, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms including anxiety; diarrhea; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea; vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; rapid heartbeat; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping.

Possible side effects of Percocet:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; flushing; light-headedness; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling; change in amount of urine produced; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; hearing loss; mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, anxiety, depression); seizures; severe or persistent constipation; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or light-headedness; shortness of breath; slow or difficult breathing; stomach or back pain; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, persistent loss of appetite); tremors; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Percocet side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include cold or clammy skin; fainting; limp muscles; loss of consciousness; persistent nausea or vomiting; pinpoint pupils; severe dizziness, drowsiness, or light-headedness; slow heartbeat; slow, shallow, or abnormal breathing; stomach pain; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite); unusual sweating.

Proper storage of Percocet:

Store Percocet at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Percocet out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Percocet, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Percocet is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Percocet. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Percocet resources

• Percocet Side Effects (in more detail)
• Percocet Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Percocet Drug Interactions
• Percocet Support Group
• 122 Reviews for Percocet - Add your own review/rating

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