Combunox contains a combination of oxycodone and ibuprofen. Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Ibuprofen is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
Combunox is used short-term to relieve severe pain. This medication is not for treating arthritis pain.
Combunox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Oxycodone contained in Combunox can slow or stop your breathing. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.
Oxycodone may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Take Combunox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never share the medicine with another person. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
Ibuprofen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use Combunox just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking Combunox.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Combunox if you are allergic to oxycodone or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or other NSAIDs such as Aleve, Naprosyn, Celebrex, Arthrotec, Cataflam, Voltaren, Indocin, Mobic, and others.
Ibuprofen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or have heart disease. Do not use Combunox just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking Combunox.
Oxycodone may be habit-forming. Never share Combunox with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Combunox to any other person is against the law.
To make sure Combunox is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
-
any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
a history of head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
-
stomach or intestinal disorder, history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
-
underactive thyroid, Addison"s disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
-
a history of drug abuse, alcohol addiction, or mental illness;
-
urination problems; or
-
if you take a blood thinner.
Oxycodone is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated.
It is not known whether Combunox will harm an unborn baby. If you use oxycodone while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether ibuprofen and oxycodone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Combunox.
How should I take Combunox?
Take Combunox exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Oxycodone can slow or stop your breathing. Never take Combunox in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Oxycodone may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Take Combunox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Combunox. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Combunox is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Combunox is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A oxycodone overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, urinating less than usual or not at all, confusion, ringing in your ears, pinpoint pupils, weak pulse, slow heart rate, blue lips, shallow breathing, or fainting.
What should I avoid?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Combunox will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding while taking ibuprofen.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to ibuprofen (such as ketoprofen or naproxen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.
Combunox side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Combunox: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Combunox and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision or speech;
-
chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
-
pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
-
bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
-
swelling or rapid weight gain;
-
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
-
easy bruising or bleeding, feeling like you might pass out;
-
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
fever, chills, headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions); or
-
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Combunox side effects may include:
-
headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
-
mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea;
-
blurred vision; or
-
dry mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Combunox?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking Combunox with a sleeping pill, other narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with Combunox, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
