Vicoprofen

Vicoprofen, a combination of hydrocodone (an opiate) and ibuprofen, is classified by the FDA as a Pregnancy Category D drug. This category is the drugs for which "there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks."

Hydrocodone Is an Opioid; Ibuprofen Is an NSAID

Vicoprofen is a brand name held by this drug's manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories. The hydrocodone bitartrate in Vicoprofen is an opioid antitussive, which means that this drug will ease coughing, but the analgesic aspect means that Vicoprofen is prescribed for pain in a great variety of conditions. It's "indicated" for short-term use, under 10 days, but it has often been taken for longer periods of time.

Moreover, opioids like the hydrocodone in Vicoprofen and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as the ibuprofen in Vicoprofen are not entirely safe to take as a combination during pregnancy. Birth defects have been linked to opioids — including very severe cardiac) heart birth defects.

Cardiac Defects

The Patient Information that accompanies Vicoprofen packaging notes, "As with other NSAID-containing products, Vicoprofen should be avoided in late pregnancy because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus." This cardiac defect and others are also linked to opioid use during pregnancy:

• Tricuspid valve (Ebstein's anomaly)
• Tricuspid atresia
• TGV (transposition of the great vessels)
• TGA (transposition of the great arteries)
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
• Pulmonary stenosis
• PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn)
• PDA (patent ductus arteriosus)
• PA (pulmonary atresia)
• Mitral valve prolapse
• HRHS (hypoplastic right heart syndrome)
• HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome)
• Heart murmur
• Coarctation of the aorta
• ASD (atrial septal defects)
• Aortic stenosis
• Tricuspid valve stenosis
• Truncus arteriosus
• VSD (ventricular septal defects)

The Flood Law Group Can Help You

If your child has a severe birth defect you were treated with Vicoprofen at any time during your pregnancy, you should speak with a birth defect lawyer for help. You may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your baby's suffering. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with a birth defect lawyer at Flood Law Group today.