Is taking 2600mg of Norco 10/325 too much?

[Lexy485]

I have taken Norco for pain for the past several years, recently I have taken up to 8 a day to control my back pain. I have a fractured L5 vertabrae and I had a spinal fusion from T1-L2 performed for a 70 degree curvature in my spine. I have problems with the harware in my back, and my pain is increasing. Is taking 8 norcos a day damaging my liver/kidneys. I am so worried, I have taken about 8 almost daily for the past 2 months. Maybe I need to switch meds if it is harmful. I drink plenty of water and I started taking milk thistle as a supplement. I've heard it is good for your liver.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,
As per the current guidelines, the recommended daily dose of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg only but there’s a growing consensus of decreasing the approved daily intake of acetaminophen as it’s a drug which is toxic to the liver but till the new guidelines come, the daily 24 hrs approved intake is 4 gms only. This recommendation has been given by the advisory board and usually, the FDA follows the advisory board members. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.

[Lexy485]

Warm compresses help a little with my lower back pain (not really the thoracic), I have tried physcial therapy, heat gels, ect. ect., ect.,  I am working, and throughout the day, applying heat compresses is not feesible, I apply gels in the mornings and evenings. I take 2 norco's at a time,usually 3X daily, up until a couple of months ago and have been steadily increasing because the meds I take are not lasting into the evening hours. They are effective but are not lasting long enough. When I take the meds throughout the day, they control very well, but they seem to be wearing off in the evenings, that's when I'm having the most difficulty. I have a doctor appt tomorrow,  what are the new FDA guidelines on acitamenophen now? 2000 mg? Some people say 2000 and some say 4000, my doc says 4000, but I don't know.    

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,
I can understand the pain and agony which you are going through. Norco is usually prescribed for moderately severe to severe pain as it contains a narcotic analgesic, hydrocodone. We usually prescribe Norco to be taken 4 times daily in the case of severe pain and it should definitely not exceed more than 6 tablets a day. Importantly, hydrocodone is a drug to which tolerance develops very fast which means that the more you take the less effective it becomes. It can definitely damage the kidneys & liver and will thus suggest you to decrease the intake and instead use some local pain reliever medication like a local gel etc and maybe some warm compresses to relive the pain. Please discuss the same with your treating physician. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.