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Fioricet, a pain reliever for treating tension headaches, is available as brand or generic (Butalbital APAP). Below are the most frequently asked questions about Fioricet (Butalbital APAP).
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:: What is Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Fioricet is the brand name of the combination drug containing Butalbital 50mg, Acetaminophen 325mg, and Caffeine 40mg, also commonly referred to as Butalbital APAP for short, APAP being an abbreviation of Acetaminophen.
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is a FDA-approved pain-relief medication used for the treatment of tension headaches. It is produced by Novartis Pharmaceuticals based in Suffern, New York, USA.
Generic Fioricet, Butalbital APAP is made by various US manufacturers.
You can buy brand Fioricet through our Fioricet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fioricet prices, no prior prescription required.
Or, you can buy generic Fioricet or Butalbital APAP (Butalbital 50mg/Acetaminophen 325mg/Caffeine 40mg) through our Butalbital APAP price comparison page .
If this is the first time you are ordering Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) should be used for patients who need effective relief of tension headaches.
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:: Who should not take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
You should not take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) if you:
- Have porphyria, a group of different genetic disorders caused by abnormalities in
the chemical production of heme. Heme is a substance in the blood and bone
marrow needed to carry oxygen. Porphyria disorders are grouped into two
categories, cutaneous (affecting the skin) or acute (affecting the nervous
system). Barbiturates such as butalbital can trigger attacks in people with
porphyria disorder leading to symptoms such as blisters, itching, and swelling of
skin; pain in the chest, abdomen, limbs, or back; muscle numbness, tingling, or
cramping; vomiting; constipation; and personality changes.
- Are allergic to Butalbital, acetaminophen, or caffeine.
- Have severe liver disease.
It is important to let your doctor know, during either a physical or online consultation, about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking especially sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives and tranquilizers, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially liver problems, kidney problems or alcohol/drug dependence. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is secreted in human milk, which can lead to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP).
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP). Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What is a tension headache?
A tension headache is usually described as a condition involving dull pain or achy feeling in the head, scalp, or neck. Tension headaches are also often associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.
Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions of the neck and scalp muscles. These muscle contractions can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, holding your head in one position for a long time, sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with your neck in an uncomfortable position. Other causes include eye strain, fatique, overexertion; excessive use of alcohol, caffeine or smoking; colds, flu, sinus infection or congestion; excessive noise or bright light.
Symptoms of tension headaches can include: dull, pressure like pain, which can be either general or worse in the scalp, temples or back of the head. Pain is usually on both sides of the head and can feel like a vise or tight band around the head. Tension headaches can also lead to difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches can occur occassionaly or every day. If a headache occurs two or more times per week for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.
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:: How does Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) work?
The exact mechanism of action and the role each component plays in relieving the symptoms of tension headaches are not completely understood.
Butalbital is a barbiturate, which slows down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant effects.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer which inhibits the production of compounds in your nervous system that make pain receptors more sensitive to stimulation.
Dilated blood vessels are thought to be a factor in causing tension headaches. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels thereby relieving pain; it also may help acetaminophen work faster or better.
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:: How well does Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) work?
A study comparing the effects of Fioricet with sugar pill found Fioricet to be significantly better for decreasing pain intensity and complete pain relief at 2 and 4 hours.
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) lead to complete pain relief at 2 hours in 27% of patients versus 12% taking sugar pill, and at four hours in 56% of patients versus 39% taking sugar pill. This same study also found that patients taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) did not have more side effects than patients taking sugar pill.
Another study compared the effects of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) with the combination acetaminophen/codeine (Tylenol with Codeine No. 3), and found that although there was no difference with complete pain relief at 2 hours, Fioricet was significantly better at four hours.
More patients, 56%, had complete pain relief with Fioricet at four hours versus 39% of patients taking acetaminophen with codeine. This study also reported that there was no difference in the intensity or amount of side effects in patients taking Fioricet versus acetaminophen with codeine.
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:: How safe is Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Fioricet has been used since 1984. Its safety and efficacy profile have been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP), the combination drug Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine, has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat tension headaches. However, Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) may not be for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not take Fioricet? .
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:: What does Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) look like?
Fioricet is available as brand or generic.
Brand Fioricet
Fioricet, the combination drug butalbital 50mg, acetaminophen 325mg and caffeine 40mg, is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals based in Suffern, New York, USA, and is a round, light blue tablet with white specs, with the imprint of the S inside a triangle logo followed by FIORICET on one side, and the imprint of the logo with 3 head profiles on the other side.
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Generic Fioricet - Butalbital APAP is manufactured by various companies including the following:
Butalbital APAP, 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetamin-ophen, and 40mg caffeine combination tablets, made by West Ward Pharmaceuticals, based in Eatontown, New Jersey, USA, are round, light blue with white specs, with the imprint West-ward 787 on one side, and nothing on the other side.
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Butalbital APAP, 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetamin-ophen, and 40mg caffeine combination tablets, made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, based in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, are white, round, with the imprint of an M inside a square on one side and 970 on the other side.
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Butalbital APAP, 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetamin-ophen, and 40mg caffeine combination tablets, made by Mikart Pharmaceuticals, based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, are white, oblong, with the imprints MIA and 110 separated by the score line on one side, and nothing on the other side.
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Butalbital APAP, 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetamin-ophen, and 40mg caffeine combination tablets, made by Able Laboratories, based in South Plainfield, New Jersey, USA, are white, oblong, with the imprint A236 on one side, and nothing on the other side.
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Butalbital APAP, 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetamin-ophen, and 40mg caffeine combination tablets, made by Gilbert Laboratories, based in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, are white, oblong, with the imprints 535 and 11 separated by the score line on one side, and nothing on the other side. This generic Fioricet made by Gilbert labs is also known as Esgic.
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Your pills may look different, consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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:: How do I take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) tablets come in one dosage combination of butalbital 50mg, acetaminophen 325mg and caffeine 40mg only. Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) may be taken with or without food. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in a four-hour period or more than 6 tablets per day.
You should take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Usual Adult Dose
Oral dosage form (Tablets) - One or two tablets as needed to relieve tension headaches every 4 hours, a maximum of 6 tablets per day.
Patients with kidney or liver problems and elderly patients may require lower doses.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What if I miss a dose of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is usually taken on an as-needed basis, therefore missing a dose is not a problem. Take your dose as you need it and do not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed. Do not take more doses or doses more frequently than your doctor prescribed as this may result in serious side effects.
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:: How should I store Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Keep Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What is the difference between Fioricet and Esgic Plus?
The difference is in the acetaminophen component.
Fioricet and generic prepara-tions of Fioricet contain the same dose of butalbital and caffeine as Esgic Plus and generic Esgic Plus (e.g. Zebutal), however, while the Fioricet tablets have 325mg of acetaminophen, Esgic Plus tablets have 500mg of acetaminophen. This difference of 500mg versus 325mg of acetaminophen may make Esgic Plus and its generic preparations slightly more effective than Fioricet.
Esgic Plus = butalbital 50mg/acetaminophen 500mg/caffeine 40mg = Zebutal
Fioricet = butalbital 50mg/acetaminophen 325mg/caffeine 40mg = Esgic
To learn more about Esgic Plus, see our Esgic Plus FAQ .
For prices, see our Esgic Plus price comparison page and select your preferred online US pharmacy with lowest Esgic Plus prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: What else can I do to help relieve my tension headaches?
In addition to taking your headache medication, simple changes to your daily activities and environment can help keep your headache under control.
Daily Activities:
1. Always take your medication properly as prescribed by your doctor
2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly
3. Start a simple exercise program*
4. Practice mental and physical relaxation therapy
5. Get massages
6. Use hot or cold packs on your head or neck
7. Take a hot or cold shower or bath to help relieve your headache
8. Take breaks frequently to stretch muscles especially if your work requires you to
keep you head in one position for a long time such as at a computer, microscope
or with craftwork.
* Exercising regularly, including proper warm-up, stretching, and cool-down, can greatly help you avoid or reduce tension headaches. For many exercising guidelines, see What kind of activities can I do? and Sample exercise plans ,
in our extensive Weight Loss FAQ .
Changes to your environment:
1. Insure your mattress and pillow are comfortable.
2. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature if your headaches are
associated with cold.
3. Wear clothing that keeps your head and neck warm if your headaches are
associated with cold.
4. Use appropriate lighting such as dimmers, low watt light bulbs, light shades if
your headaches as associated with bright lights.
5. Insure your workplace environment is comfortable. If you work at a desk or
computer, your chair should support your back, your feet should touch the
ground or have a foot rest, your monitor should be at eye-level and may need a
glare filter, and your keyboard should be at elbow level to reduce strain on your
body.
Be sure to ask your doctor about these and other types of non-drug pain management techniques that might be right for you. You can also ask for referrals to specific providers of these services.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
The most common side effects are drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain and intoxicated feeling.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Fioricet
(Butalbital APAP)?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP), please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) may make you dizzy or sleepy. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Dependence:
Butalbital may be habit-forming. Take it as prescribed, in the amount prescribed, only as often as prescribed and only for as long as it is prescribed. See Can I become dependent on Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Consumption of Alcohol:
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP). It can result in liver damage and can increase side effects.
Medication Interactions:
Before you start taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP), inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. Some medications can increase side effects such as drowsiness, and are best avoided while taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP). See What are the possible drug interactions of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is secreted in human milk, which can lead to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP).
Kidney and Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP). Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Adults over 65 years old:
Dosing should be more conservative as drug effects may be more pronounced due to medical conditions and other multiple drug therapy.
Do NOT share your Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP), it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine),
Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate
(tranylcypromine)- increased risk of side effects.
- Any antidepressants, antihistamines, sedative hypnotics to help you sleep, other
pain relievers, anxiety medications, muscle relaxers and alcohol- risk of increased
side effects especially drowsiness and reduced breathing rate.
- Other medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) such as over-the-counter
cold, pain or allergy preparations.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Fioricet (Butalbital APAP).
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:: Can I take Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) if I drink alcohol?
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP). It can result in serious side effects.
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:: Can I become dependent on Fioricet (Butalbital APAP)?
Barbiturates such as Butalbital can cause dependence or a need to continue taking medication. Dependence or addiction is more common when a medication is used at high doses or for a long period of time. Although anyone can become dependent it is more likely if you have been dependent on alcohol or other drugs in the past.
Stopping Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) abruptly may lead to an adjustment period for your body and you may experience withdrawal side effects. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. If you have been taking Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) in large doses or for a long period of time, you should consult your doctor before stopping therapy. Your doctor may decide it is best to gradually reduce the dose to help minimize withdrawal side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, pain, tremors, nausea, diarrhea, and rarely convulsions and delirium.
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:: What are symptoms of a possible Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) overdose?
Symptoms of overdose may include reduced breathing rate, severe drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, low blood pressure and coma. If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) available over the counter?
No. Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) prescription online?
Go to our Fioricet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fioricet prices, no prior prescription required.
Or if you prefer generic, you can buy Butalbital APAP (generic Fioricet) by going to our Butalbital APAP price comparison page .
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Fioricet online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order.
There is brand Fioricet and generic Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) available. Be sure to compare Fioricet prices and Butalbital APAP prices before buying.
Usually, the more pills you buy, the cheaper the price per pill.
Generic Fioricet is usually cheaper than brand especially as quantities increase. Brand or generic is really up to your preference.
Go to our Fioricet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fioricet prices, no prior prescription required.
Or if you prefer generic, you can buy Butalbital APAP (generic Fioricet) by going to our Butalbital APAP price comparison page .
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:: What is generic Fioricet and is it available?
The generic name of Fioricet is butalbital 50mg/acetaminophen 500mg/caffeine 40mg, Butalbital APAP for short. Various manufacturers make generic Fioricet. One such generic preparation is called Esgic. Brand Fioricet and generic Butalbital APAP are available as tablets.
See What does Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) look like? for pictures.
Generic is usually cheaper than brand. Brand or generic is really up to your preference.
Go to our Butalbital APAP price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Butalbital APAP prices, no prior prescription required.
Compare with Fioricet prices
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:: Is it safe to order Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) or other medications
from non-US pharmacies?
Purchasing Fioricet or Butalbital APAP from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the U.S. because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Fioricet, but not contain the active ingredients Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and caffeine.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Fioricet approved by the FDA and manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, or generic Fioricet (Butalbital APAP) approved by the FDA and made in the US. You can therefore choose from our list of online US pharmacies with confidence.
See our Fioricet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with lowest Fioricet prices, no prior prescription needed.
Or if you prefer generic, you can buy Butalbital APAP (generic Fioricet) by going to our Butalbital APAP price comparison page .
If this is your first time ordering Fioricet online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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