Can norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) stop working after a year? i take it for ra/ severe back pain/sciatica but my dr wont change it i wake up stiff and in tons of pain

Pain Management: Norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) is the absolute worst choice for long term treatment of chronic pain. I think you need to see a pain management specialist.

Yes: Norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) contains a narcotic (the hydrocodone). Chronic usage builds tolerance, so the drug seems to lose effectiveness. More is needed for the same effect, but you cannot increase it indefinitely. Side effects show up then. You probably should get a second opinion with someone experience in rheumatoid arthritis and its management. There are better medications for it.

Yes: Everyone becomes tolerant to opiate pain medications if used chronically. We worry about this all the time, however ask your doctor to switch your medicine to another medication to see if this works. If not, ask for a pain management referral. However you should be aware that this will happen again no matter what opiate you use. Sometimes having a pain medication holiday can be helpful.