Not Medical Advice: A capsule shaped white pill (with red speckles) with the imprint 3604 on the front, and V on the back of it is 325mg/5mg of Acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate (made by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals).
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate is a narcotic analgesic combination that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, pain, back pain, and cough. Abuse of this drug may lead to psychological or physical dependence.
Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy. Acetaminophen/hydrocodone 325 mg / 5 mg is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).
This prescription-only medication may pose a risk to an unborn fetus, and should be used only under a doctor's supervision.
In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by acetaminophen / hydrocodone. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.
You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking acetaminophen / hydrocodone:
More common:
Dizziness
lightheadedness
Incidence not known:
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blood in vomit
bluish lips or skin
chills
choking
cough or hoarseness
dark urine
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or troubled breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty with breathing
difficulty with swallowing
fast heartbeat
fever
fever with or without chills
general body swelling
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
See more at Drugs.com.
If your doctor has prescribed a medication to you—especially if it is a stimulant (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin), sedative (Xanax and Valium) or pain reliever (Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycontin)—you need to take steps to safeguard these medications and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. That’s because they have the potential to lead to addiction, abuse and even death if used by someone other than you. It’s also illegal to share these medications.
As per BeMedWise.org, here's How To Safeguard Your Medications:
Store your medications in a secure and dry place. People visiting you may be interested in stealing your prescriptions, especially if they are left visible (sitting on your desk or dresser, for example). Consider using a lock box or hide them in the back of your closet where it is not easy for others to find.
Keep track of your medicine. Count how many pills you have at any given time to check for missing medicine.
Don’t share your medications under any circumstances. If a friend or teammate is injured, instead of “sharing” a pain reliever, make sure he or she sees a healthcare professional for care.
Keep a low profile. Your medicines are your business. There’s no reason to tell your friends about the medicines you take.
Properly dispose of old or unused medicines. Most prescriptions drugs can be placed in a non-see-through container mixed with dirt or kitty litter and thrown in the garbage.
As seniors are more likely to take multiple medications, they’re also more sensitive to drugs’ effects, both therapeutic and negative. Declining vision, hearing, and memory also contribute to medication risks.
John Muir Health shared these seven more tips that will help you prevent mistakes and adverse drug reactions:
1. Participate. Safe medication use is a shared responsibility between you, your doctor, the pharmacist, and other healthcare providers. Know your medications and ask questions if you’re not sure how, when, or why to take any drug.
2. Follow directions. Always follow your doctor’s directions about taking medications. There are often important reasons to take a medication at a specific dose and time.
3. Keep a list. A current list of your medications, including the times and reasons you take each one, will help your providers adjust your medications and identify potential interactions. Don’t leave out over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, and supplements.
4. Read prescriptions and labels. Read new prescriptions before leaving the doctor’s office and ask questions if the instructions are unclear. Do the same with labels when you receive the medication.
5. Avoid others’ medications. Taking other people’s drugs may cause adverse reactions or interactions. Never take prescription medications your doctor has not prescribed for you.
6. Store medications properly. Most should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and out of children’s reach; others may require refrigeration. Throw away expired medications, which may be ineffective or even toxic.
7. When in doubt, ask. Your doctor and pharmacist are valuable resources for drug information. Your questions help them know what additional information to provide you.
Find more about the Dos and Don'ts of Drug Safety at WebMD.