Equagesic

Equagesic is used to alleviate pain, anxiety, and tension in certain disorders or diseases. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Equagesic, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

To use Equagesic correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

To lessen stomach irritation, take this drug with food or a full glass of water. Do not take this drug if it is breaking down, this can be noted if the drug has a strong vinegar-like odor. This odor means the aspirin in it is breaking down. This drug must be taken exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Dependence and stomach problems have been associated with prolonged use of this drug.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. 1 or 2 tablets are given to adults three or four times a day, as needed. Use in children up to 12 years of age is not recommended.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

In using Equagesic, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Regular visits of at least every 4 months should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. Consult with your healthcare professional if you plan to stop long-treatment with this drug.

Your healthcare professional may slowly taper the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Check the labels of all non-prescription and prescription drugs if they contain aspirin or other salicylates to prevent overdose.

This drug potentiates the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or drug for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping drug, prescription pain drug or narcotics, barbiturates, drug for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.

Drinking alcohol, increased dose or prolonged use of this drug may increase the risk of developing stomach problems. Consult with your healthcare professional or dentist before taking any other drugs such as:

• Acetaminophen
• Diclofenac
• Diflunisal
• Etodolac
• Fenoprofen
• Floctafenine
• Flurbiprofen
• Ibuprofen
• Indomethacin
• Ketoprofen
• Ketorolac
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic acid
• Naproxen
• Phenylbutazone
• Piroxicam
• Sulindac
• Tiaprofenic acid
• or Tolmetin

Do not take cellulose-containing laxatives within 2 hours of taking this drug as this may lessen the effects of aspirin. A false urine sugar test results may occur if you take 8 or more 325-mg doses of aspirin every day for several days in a row.

Inform your healthcare professional that you are taking this drug before you have any medical tests. The results of some tests, such as the metyrapone test and the phentolamine test, may be affected by this drug.

Do not take this drug for 5 days if you plan to have surgery as taking this drug may cause bleeding problems. Unconsciousness and possibly death can happen if you get an overdose of this drug or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with it.

Contact emergency medical services if you experience symptoms of overdose such as:

• Continuing ringing or buzzing in ears
• Any hearing loss
• Severe confusion
• Drowsiness, or weakness
• Shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing
• Staggering, and slow heartbeat

This drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or reduced alertness. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute for relief of dryness in the mouth that may be caused by this drug. Check with your healthcare professional or dentist if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks as this may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Equagesic.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Troubled breathing, or tightness in chest
• Any loss of hearing
• Bloody urine
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Fast or deep breathing
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nervousness or excitement
• Ringing or buzzing in ears
• Slow heartbeat
• Slurred speech
• Staggering stomach pain
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual or uncontrolled flapping movements of the hands, especially in elderly patients
• Unusual thirst
• Vision problems
• Weakness
• Changes in behavior
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Fast or deep breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Confusion
• Skin rash
• Hives, or itching sore throat and fever
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual excitement
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.