IMPORTANT NOTE: The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet
USES: Fioricet is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to
relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
HOW TO USE: To prevent upset stomach, take Fioricet with food
or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before
it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, Fioricet is not as effective
in relieving it. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your
dose or take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fioricet may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness,
stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few
days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms
persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid/ irregular heartbeat.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: serious liver disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental
conditions, heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI), stomach/intestinal
ulcers, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily
use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may
increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist for more information. To prevent oversedation, avoid
using alcohol and other sedative type medications while taking
this. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging
in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Fioricet contains caffeine. Avoid drinking
large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking Fioricet as
excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. Fioricet should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts
of Fioricet appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" Tell
your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for
sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g.,
diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric
medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics
such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine),
muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Because Fioricet contains acetaminophen, check
with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications
containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription
pain relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully
to check ingredients. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness
of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control
with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If Fioricet overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of
feeling alert, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin,
loss of consciousness, dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
NOTES: Do not share this product with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Fioricet, take it as soon as
remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose,
instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
