Skip to Content
Looking to save on your medications?  Find out how 

9 Interactions found for:

Cymbalta and Norco
Interactions Summary
  • 5 Major
  • 2 Moderate
  • 2 Minor
  • Cymbalta
  • Norco

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Norco + Cymbalta

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrocodone (found in Norco) and Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

Using HYDROcodone together with DULoxetine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms during treatment. In addition, combining these medications may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drug and Food Interactions

Major
Norco + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrocodone (found in Norco)

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with HYDROcodone. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. If you are taking certain long-acting formulations of hydrocodone, consumption of alcohol may also cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high blood levels that may be potentially lethal. Likewise, you should avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of hydrocodone. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not use more than the recommended dose of HYDROcodone, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

The following applies to the ingredients: Acetaminophen (found in Norco)

Ask your doctor before using acetaminophen together with ethanol. This can cause serious side effects that affect your liver. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate
Cymbalta + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with DULoxetine. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes, as these may be symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrocodone (found in Norco)

Professional Content

Benefit should outweigh risk

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk Summary: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm; prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Comments:
-Women should be advised of the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
-Long-acting opioids should not be used during and immediately prior to labor, when short acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate.

Rats administered this drug during gestation and lactation showed increases in stillborn pups and decreases in pup survival at doses equivalent to the human dose of 100 mg/day. Reduced nursing behavior and decreased body weights were observed at 2 times the human dose. Reduced fetal weights were observed in rabbits given this drug during the period of organogenesis at doses equivalent to 5 times the human dose of 100 mg/day. Additionally, increases in the number of umbilical hernias, irregularly shaped bones, and delays in fetal skeletal maturation were observed in the study at doses 15 times the human dose of 100 mg/day. No fetal malformations were observed in rats and rabbits at doses approximately 2 (rats) and 10 (rabbits) times a human dose of 100 mg/day. Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Chronic opioid use may cause reduced fertility in males and females; it is unknown whether these effects on fertility are reversible.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zohydro ER (hydrocodone)." Zogenix, Inc (2013):
  2. "Product Information. Hysingla ER (hydrocodone)." Purdue Pharma LP (2014):

The following applies to the ingredients: Acetaminophen-Hydrocodone (found in Norco)

Professional Content

Benefit should outweigh risk

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-Prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy can result in physical dependence in the neonate; women should be advised of the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
-Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.

Opioid analgesics cross the placenta. Hydrocodone use during labor may cause respiratory depression in the newborn infant. Prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. The onset, duration, and severity of the condition will vary based on maternal use (duration of use, timing, and amount of last use) and rate of elimination in the newborn. Acetaminophen has not been associated with major congenital malformations, although animal studies have identified adverse effects at clinically relevant doses. Epidemiologic data do not clearly report an association with oral acetaminophen and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when this drug is used during pregnancy, but due to methodological limitations cannot definitively establish the absence of any risk. In pregnant rats receiving oral drug at doses up to 0.88 times maximum human daily dose (MHDD) during organogenesis, fetotoxicity (reduced fetal weight and length) and dose-related increases in bone variations (reduced ossification and rudimentary rib changes) were observed. Areas of necrosis in both the liver and kidney of pregnant rats and fetuses were observed when pregnant rats were given oral drug throughout gestation at doses 1.2 times the maximum human daily dose. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility; it is unknown whether these effects are reversible.

FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. "Product Information. Norco (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Allergan Inc (2017):
  2. "Product Information. Lortab (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Akorn Inc (2017):
  3. "Product Information. Acetaminophen-Hydrocodone Bitartrate (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Mikart Inc (2017):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

Professional Content

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: Observational study data have not produced clear drug-associated risks regarding adverse events or major birth defects.

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Neonates exposed to this drug late in the third trimester may require respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or prolonged hospitalization.
-Exposed neonates should be monitored after delivery for direct toxic effects of this drug, drug discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome.
-Women who discontinued antidepressant use during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant use.

Animal studies have revealed increased perinatal toxicity and fetotoxicity at doses potentially correlated with maternal toxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Some neonates exposed to SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) late in the third trimester had clinical findings including respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. This clinical picture is consistent with either direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, drug discontinuation syndrome, or serotonin syndrome.

A less than 2-fold increase in postpartum hemorrhage was determined by observational data in patients exposed to the drug within 1 month before birth.

A study of women with a history of major depression who were euthymic at the beginning of pregnancy, showed women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant medication.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressant therapy, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients receiving Cymbalta by calling the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-814-6975 or by visiting www.cymbaltapregnancyregistry.com.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Acetaminophen (found in Norco)

Professional Content

Benefit should outweigh risk

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned

Risk Summary: A clear association of drug use and birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes has not been shown with human use; animal studies have demonstrated adverse events at clinically relevant doses.

In pregnant rats receiving oral drug at doses up to 0.85 times maximum human daily dose (MHDD) during organogenesis, fetotoxicity and dose-related increases in bone variations (reduced ossification and rudimentary rib changes) were observed. Areas of necrosis in both the liver and kidney of pregnant rats and fetuses were observed when pregnant rats were given oral drug throughout gestation at doses 1.2 times the maximum human daily dose. Animal studies using the IV formulation have not been performed. In humans, this drug and its metabolites cross the placental barrier. Large cohort studies have not found an association between maternal use in the first trimester and either adverse pregnancy outcomes or congenital malformations. Some evidence of increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]), respiratory illness (e.g., asthma) and reproductive toxicity (e.g., androgen disruption) has been suggested in epidemiologic studies. However, extrapolating causation from pharmaco-epidemiological studies to humans is tricky considering various confounders and biases inherent in the study design. Associations seen in clinical cohort studies need clarification with randomized clinical trials (RCTs), which would be difficult to perform ethically in pregnant populations. The mechanism by which this drug or its metabolites affect neurological development, asthma, or endocrine/reproductive toxicity is poorly understood. It is important to factor in the risk of untreated febrile illness in mother and child when evaluating risks and benefits of using this drug. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Epidemiologic data, including a population based case-control study from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (n= 11,610) and data from 26,424 live singleton births have shown no increased risk of major birth defects in children with first trimester prenatal exposure. In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration released results of their evaluation on published research studies looking at mothers who took this drug as either an over the counter or prescription product at any time during their pregnancy and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) in their babies. They found all studies reviewed had potential limitations in their designs that prevented drawing reliable conclusions. In a prospective birth cohort study (Avon Longitudinal Study or Parents and Children [ALSPAC]) maternal drug exposure was assessed by questionnaire at 18 and 32 weeks, children were assessed at 61 months. Mothers were questioned about behavioral problems in their children at 7 years old; children's behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A number of confounders were evaluated although a limitation of the study was lack of information for drug use. The authors suggest there may be an association between drug use during pregnancy and behavioral problems in childhood that may be due to an intrauterine mechanism. Further studies are needed to test alternatives to a causal explanation.

According to published animal studies, this drug may cause reduced fertility in both males and females described as decreased testicular weights, reduced spermatogenesis, reduced fertility; and reduced implantation sites, respectively.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration "FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm429117.htm" (2015):
  3. "Product Information. Ofirmev (acetaminophen)." Cadence Pharmaceuticals Inc (2016):
  4. Stergaikoulie E, Thapar A, Davey Smith G "Association of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with behavioral problems in childhood: evidence against confounding." JAMA Pediatr 170 (2016): 964-70
  5. McCrae JC, Morrison EE, MacIntyre IM, Dear JW, Webb DJ "Long-term adverse effects of paracetamol - a review." Br J Clin Pharmacol 84 (2018): 2218-2230

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrocodone (found in Norco)

Professional Content

Use is not recommended and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments: Infants exposed to this drug through breast milk should be closely monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression; withdrawal symptoms can occur when maternal administration of hydrocodone is stopped or breastfeeding is stopped.

Maternal use of oral narcotics during breastfeeding can cause infant drowsiness, central nervous system depression, and even death. Newborns are particularly sensitive. Once a mother's milk comes in, it is best to provide pain control with a nonnarcotic analgesic. There are no studies describing drug levels of extended-release hydrocodone or its metabolites in breast milk. Hydrocodone is metabolized to 6 active metabolites including hydromorphone.

References

  1. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  2. "Product Information. Zohydro ER (hydrocodone)." Zogenix, Inc (2013):
  3. "Product Information. Hysingla ER (hydrocodone)." Purdue Pharma LP (2014):

The following applies to the ingredients: Acetaminophen-Hydrocodone (found in Norco)

Professional Content

A decision should be made to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue this drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother

Excreted into human milk: Yes (acetaminophen) Yes (hydrocodone)

Comments:
-Breastfed infants should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression; immediate medical attention should be sought if infant develops breathing difficulties or limpness.
-Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal drug use or breastfeeding are stopped.

Breastfed infants of mothers who receive opioids, especially newborns, can experience drowsiness and CNS depression, even death. A study in 30 breastfeeding women found mean and median hydrocodone infant daily doses of 3.9 and 2.1 mcg/kg, respectively, which calculates to 2.4% and 1.6% of weight-adjusted maternal doses. Hydrocodone is metabolized to 6 active metabolites including hydromorphone. Mean and median hydromorphone daily doses of 2.1 and 0.3 mcg/kg, respectively, were found. Of interest was that 2 women excreted much more hydromorphone than others which might represent ultrarapid CYP450 2D6 metabolizers.

References

  1. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  2. "Product Information. Norco (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Allergan Inc (2017):
  3. "Product Information. Lortab (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Akorn Inc (2017):
  4. "Product Information. Acetaminophen-Hydrocodone Bitartrate (acetaminophen-hydrocodone)." Mikart Inc (2017):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

Professional Content

Use is not recommended and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Some experts state that a more thoroughly studied alternative agent (e.g., nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline) may be preferred while breastfeeding premature or neonates.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies other antidepressants as agents for which the effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.
-Exposed infants should be monitored for developmental milestones, feeding, sedation, weight gain, especially in younger infants who are exclusively breastfed and/or when breastfed infants are exposed to multiple antipsychotropic agents.

The estimated neonatal dose is approximately 0.1% to 0.3% of the maternal dose.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
  6. National Library of Medicine (US) "Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/" (2019):

The following applies to the ingredients: Acetaminophen (found in Norco)

Professional Content

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments;
-This drug has been used without apparent harmful effects.
-This drug is considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This drug is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts. Published reports reveal peak levels occur 1 to 2 hours after dosing and are undetectable after 12 hours. Reports have also shown infants ingesting 90 mL of breast milk every 3 hours would receive an average of 0.14% (range 0.04% to 0.23%) of the mother's dose; calculated to be a maximum maternal weight-adjusted dose of around 2%. Other studies have shown similar calculated maximal maternal weight adjusted doses (1.1% to 3.6%); these doses are about 0.5% of the lowest recommended infant dose of this drug. A single case of a maculopapular rash has been reported in a 2-month old nursing infant; the rash recurred on rechallenge.

References

  1. Committee on Drugs, 1992 to 1993 "The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk." Pediatrics 93 (1994): 137-50
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  3. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  4. "Product Information. Ofirmev (acetaminophen)." Cadence Pharmaceuticals Inc (2016):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

Switch to: Professional Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a healthcare professional. Use of this content is subject to our terms of use & medical disclaimer.