Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine Oral Capsule (BUTALBITAL/ASPIRIN/CAFFEINE - ORAL)

For headache.

Brand Name(s): Fiorinal

Generic Name: Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine

Instructions

Sit or stand upright for 10 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Avoid drinks with caffeine while on this medicine.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

If you have diabetes and use urine glucose tests, this medicine may cause incorrect results. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your diabetes treatment plan.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

IMPORTANT: Children and teenagers should not use medications containing aspirin for cold and flu symptoms or chickenpox.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding problems in patients taking blood thinner medications. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to monitor your blood lab tests if you are on blood thinners.

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with breathing difficulties.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • bloating
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle trembling
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • increased risk of bruising and bleeding
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • fainting
  • fever
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • mood changes
  • ringing in the ears
  • slurred speech
  • dark, tarry stool
  • difficulty swallowing
  • excessive thirst
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • increased urinary frequency
  • dark urine
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
  • weakness on one side of the body
  • yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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