Hydrocodone/APAP Without a Prescription

Legally, you cannot obtain hydrocodone/APAP without a prescription. While you may be able to acquire the drug through other sources, because it is a controlled substance, there is no guarantee of the medication's quality -- or that you are even getting hydrocodone/APAP. Attempting to buy hydrocodone/APAP without a prescription is a strong indicator of abuse or addiction, and you should talk to a healthcare provider for help.

 

Buying Hydrocodone/APAP Without a Prescription: An Overview

Hydrocodone/APAP (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) is a prescription pain medication. As a narcotic, it is subject to regulation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Because hydrocodone/APAP is a controlled substance, there are strict rules for obtaining it, and there are strict fines and penalties for using, selling, or trying to buy hydrocodone/APAP without a prescription.
 

Is It Safe to Buy Hydrocodone/APAP Without a Prescription?

It is not safe to use hydrocodone/APAP that has been bought without a prescription, for various reasons, such as:
 
  • Legitimate pharmacies will not sell the drug without a prescription. Because you can be assured that you are getting the "real thing" (not a counterfeit or expired medication) only from a legitimate pharmacy, buying hydrocodone/APAP without a prescription increases your risk of getting a dangerous or substandard product. Some Web sites offer to provide a prescription for hydrocodone/APAP after a "consultation," usually consisting of a short questionnaire. This is not considered a legitimate prescription, and no legitimate pharmacy would fill such prescriptions.
     
  • As a prescription medication, hydrocodone/APAP is not considered safe for use without a healthcare provider's supervision. Some people should not take the drug for certain health reasons, and hydrocodone/APAP may interact with numerous other medications (both prescription and non-prescription). Without the supervision of a healthcare provider, people may be more likely to suffer dangerous side effects or toxicities due to hydrocodone/APAP.
     
  • Needing to buy hydrocodone/APAP without a prescription is a good indication that you have a problem with hydrocodone/APAP abuse or addiction. These problems are serious and can be life-threatening.
     
(Hydrocodone/APAP Without a Prescription Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;