what is percocet

Percocet contains a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. Oxycodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone.

Percocet is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Percocet may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Percocet

Tell your doctor if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take medicine that contains acetaminophen. Do not take more Percocet than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Oxycodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Percocet may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Before taking Percocet

Do not use Percocet if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or oxycodone. Tell your doctor if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take medicine that contains acetaminophen.

To make sure you can safely take Percocet, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• low blood pressure;

• a stomach, intestinal, or pancreas disorder;

• underactive thyroid;

• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;

• enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• curvature of the spine;

• mental illness; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Oxycodone may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Percocet 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.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Percocet is harmful to an unborn baby, but it could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Before you take Percocet, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Acetaminophen and oxycodone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Percocet without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.