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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Dizziness And Anemia A Side Effect Of Hydrocodone?

Hi, I have a 72 year old mother who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Aug 2013. She started taking hydrocodone/apap 5-500mg in October for the pain. She takes 1 and a half tablets at the most on a daily basis. She has never taken any medication in her life, has been relatively healthy until the diagnosis.



She has lost a tremendous amount of weight and is experiencing severe dizziness when she stands up from a sitting position. Her blood tests were all normal 6 months ago. Now her CBC shows that she is

anemic with RBC count of 3.41, HGB 11.2 and Hct 33.3 %.



I understand that anemia and an abnormal blood cell count can be a side effect of taking hydrocodone.



My gut is telling me that my mother is being effected by this med but because it is such a small amount her doctor doesn't think it is the cause of the dizziness. Is it possible that the med is causing the dizziness and anemia?



Thankyou for answering my question.
Mon, 24 Apr 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello,I read your query and I feel that probably you are right as hydrocodone does cause dizziness in 3 % of patients who take them and it also causes poor appetite which might be responsible for her iron deficiency anemia but it's also possible that her poor appetite causing anemia and dizziness might be due to the cancer per say.
I suggest that help her get good nutritional support by way of high protein diet and fruits and vegetables consumption.
Hope that serves your concern.
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Is Dizziness And Anemia A Side Effect Of Hydrocodone?

Hello,I read your query and I feel that probably you are right as hydrocodone does cause dizziness in 3 % of patients who take them and it also causes poor appetite which might be responsible for her iron deficiency anemia but it s also possible that her poor appetite causing anemia and dizziness might be due to the cancer per say. I suggest that help her get good nutritional support by way of high protein diet and fruits and vegetables consumption. Hope that serves your concern.