As a combination pill containing both hydrocodone and acetaminophen, the M365 pill is a powerful analgesic prescription medication for moderate-to-severe pain. Although both medicines are used for pain management, acetaminophen is available over-the-counter while hydrocodone is sold as a prescription opioid due to its strength and potential side effects. It’s currently distributed under the brand name Norco and as generic dihydrocodeinone or hydrocodone bitartrate. Other brands, such as LORTAB and Vicodin, have been discontinued.
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The Importance of Correctly Identifying Medication
The M365 pill looks strikingly similar to many common medications, such as antibiotics and over-the-counter analgesics, so it’s critical to learn how to correctly identify this medicine to avoid mix-ups, interactions with other medications, and potential overuse. Prescription medication labels will contain a brief description of the medicine’s appearance for quick and easy reference. For any questions regarding medication identification, one should always consult a trusted doctor or pharmacist.
Physical Characteristics of the M365 Pill
The M365 pill is an elongated, mid-sized white or off-white tablet with the M365 imprint on the front. The back contains a deep score in the center to make it easier to divide the dose.
Active Ingredients:
The active ingredients in the M365 pill are hydrocodone bitartrate and hydrocodone. Their descriptions and usage are outlined below.
Acetaminophen:
Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever and fever reducer that’s sold over-the-counter in both regular (325 mg) and prescription (500 mg) strengths. It’s a popular solution for treating general conditions such as headaches and dull arthritis pain. Acetaminophen isn’t the top recommendation for tissue-specific pain and swelling since it doesn’t possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydrocodone:
Much like acetaminophen, hydrocodone is widely used as a pain reliever, but, as an opioid, its effects are significantly stronger, making it a better solution for severe pain management. Hydrocodone affects how the central nervous system responds to moderate-to-severe pain triggers. Hydrocodone is also commonly used as an expectorant due to its ability to regulate the portion of the brain that controls coughing. Since hydrocodone can cause significant side effects, this medication is only available with a prescription.
Usage and Medical Indications
The M365 pill is an effective painkiller for moderate-to-severe pain. It’s often prescribed after surgery to assist with post-operative restlessness and discomfort. It’s also commonly prescribed for managing chronic pain conditions that don’t respond well to over-the-counter analgesics.
Dosage and Strength
The M365 pill is available in various strengths, depending on the severity of the pain being treated. Below are the most common strengths prescribed:
hydrocodone: 2.5 mg acetaminophen: 325 mg
hydrocodone: 5 mg acetaminophen: 325 mg
hydrocodone: 7.5 mg acetaminophen: 325 mg
hydrocodone: 10 mg acetaminophen: 325 mg
It’s important for patients to consult with their healthcare providers regularly to ensure that they’re using the least amount of medication possible that will provide relief from their symptoms.
Potential Side Effects of the M365 Pill
Common Side Effects
The M365 pill can cause mild side effects such as headache, gastrointestinal upset, sleepiness, and dizziness.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of the M365 pill include the following: hives, swelling of the face or throat, labored breathing, sweating, yellowing of skin and/or stools, gastrointestinal issues, or rash.
When to seek medical treatment
Wheezing, swelling, hives, or rashes can be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction, so prompt medical attention is critical should these symptoms occur. Opioid medications can cause deadly breathing difficulties, so any changes in breathing and/or an altered mental status upon awakening must be immediately evaluated by a medical professional.
This medication could alter levels of serotonin and cortisol in the body, so any new physical or neurological symptoms, such as shaking, weakness, heart palpitations, or muscle stiffness, must be reported to an emergency department right away.
Risks Associated with Opioid Medications
Like all prescription opioids, the M365 pill should only be taken exactly as prescribed and for the amount of time indicated by the prescription refill number. This medicine is only to be administered under the careful supervision of a trusted medical professional. Any alterations to the dosage or changes in conditions being treated must be discussed with a doctor to avoid prescription misuse.
Warnings for Use with Drugs and Alcohol
The M365 pill should never be taken in combination with drugs or alcohol to avoid devastating physical and psychological effects. Alcohol can increase the levels of this medicine in the body, therefore increasing the potential for overdose. Mixing alcohol and this medication can also cause seizures, severe psychological symptoms, and even brain damage due to compromised oxygen levels in the body caused by slow breathing and/or heart rate.
Long-term use of the M365 pill increases the risk of dependency; therefore, doctors must proactively monitor a patient’s use of and response to this medicine. Hydrocodone’s effects on the nervous system can prove lethal in the event of an overdose, and excessive amounts of acetaminophin can harm the liver, so it’s critical for patients to adhere to the dosage instructions.
Storage and Safe Disposal
This medicine should be stored in a childproof container well out of the reach of children. Too much of these active ingredients is harmful to anyone, but children are especially vulnerable to their powerful effects.
To limit environmental pollution and potential misuse of this pill, individuals should try to locate a drug take-back program instead of simply throwing the medication in the garbage or flushing it down the toilet. Numerous outlets are available for safe disposal of prescription medication. Pharmacies often contain a drop-box designed specifically for this purpose.
Many pharmacies also participate in the DisposeRX program. Thanks to this initiative, customers can visit a location and request a DisposeRX packet that can be mixed with water and added to a bottle of medication. Once the powder is combined, the medicine becomes ineffective and can be safely disposed of at home.
Controlled Substance Classification
Although acetaminophen is sold over the counter, hydrocodone is available only by prescription. Therefore, the M365 pill is officially labeled a Schedule II/IIN controlled substance since hydrocodone is highly addictive. Many healthcare providers require patients to keep a specified number of wellness checkups in order to prescribe ongoing refills. These checkups carefully note a patient’s vital signs and overall state of health so that any changes in physical or mental status can be swiftly addressed.
Clinics will also limit the number of refills of a controlled substance per year to help prevent medication abuse. Controlled substances are only prescribed to patients 18 years of age and older, and pharmacies will require proof of identification, such as a government-issued ID, at the time of pick up.
A Final Word
For individuals struggling with addiction who are seeking compassionate care that works, the Illinois Recovery Center is dedicated to helping patients through every step of their recovery journey. Offering intense inpatient and outpatient recovery programs, multiple behavioral therapy options, and sober living homes, the Illinois Recovery Center provides complete recovery plans that target individual preferences while nourishing a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Complete addiction recovery is possible, and the Illinois Recovery Center is committed to the success of each and every patient. Contact the Illinois Recovery Center today for more information about these life-changing services.
References:
- https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/safe-medication-disposal.jsp#:~:text=Simply%20bring%20your%20unwanted%2C%20unused,a%20letter%20in%20a%20mailbox.
- https://www.drugs.com/acetaminophen_hydrocodone.html
- https://www.drugs.com/sfx/acetaminophen-hydrocodone-side-effects.html
- https://alcohol.org/mixing-with/norco/
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/#:~:text=Schedule%20II%2FIIN%20Controlled%20Substances%20(2%2F2N)&text=Other%20Schedule%20II%20narcotics%20include,and%20methylphenidate%20(Ritalin%C2%AE).
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/how-to-dispose-medicines.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20074089
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-362/acetaminophen-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/imprints/m365-5096.html
- https://www.premierhealth.com/faq/why-is-it-important-for-a-patient-to-know-how-to-read-a-prescription-label
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/#:~:text=Hydrocodone%20is%20one%20of%20the,trauma%2C%20or%20patients%20with%20cancer.
