ARCET

Drug Name: ARCET

ARCET DESCRIPTION:
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)

COMMON ARCET BRAND NAME(S):
Esgic, Fioricet

ARCET SIDE EFFECTS:
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 if you develop: breathing difficulties, a rapid/irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ARCET:
ARCET: To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Long-term use of ARCET can lead to addiction. Do not take this more often or for longer than prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

ARCET USES:
ARCET is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.

ARCET PRECAUTIONS:
Avoid activities requiring alertness while taking ARCET, since it can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, emotional/mental conditions. 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. ARCET should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of ARCET appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ARCET DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). To prevent oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type medications while taking this. ARCET contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking ARCET as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. Because ARCET 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. ARCET 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.

ARCET OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, unusual drowsiness or dizziness, lack of feeling alert, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.

MISSED ARCET DOSE:
If you miss a dose, 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.

ARCET STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.