The Emergence of Fake Lortab

The pill form of Lortab was discontinued, so any pill sold as Lortab is likely fake or long past its expiration date. These pills can be very dangerous.

Lortab is one of several brand name products containing hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication, along with acetaminophen, which is a non-opioid painkiller. The pill form of Lortab was discontinued, so any pill sold as Lortab is likely fake or long past its expiration date. Lortab liquid is still currently available with a doctor’s prescription.

Lortab is a prescription-only pain medicine classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This classification means that it’s only for use under doctor’s care.

Some people may try to sell fake Lortab on the streets, but it is important to know that anything sold as a pill is not truly Lortab. It could be another brand name or generic product containing the same ingredients as Lortab (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), or it could be entirely fake, containing completely unknown ingredients. Anything purchased on the streets carries the risk of being fake or containing dangerous substances, so it is best to avoid buying illicit substances.

Why People Use Fake Lortab

Unfortunately, many people take Lortab recreationally because of the hydrocodone painkiller it contains. When someone takes Lortab recreationally, they may steal it from friends or family members, or they might purchase it illegally off the streets.

When someone takes an opioid, it’s intended to change the way they perceive pain, and with the combination of acetaminophen, it can be a very effective treatment for moderate to severe pain following surgeries or injuries. Unfortunately, opioids also create a euphoric high, which is why they’re commonly abused and become addictive.

Opioids like Lortab can create a sense of euphoria, relaxation, well-being, and sedation, particularly when someone takes a high dose. That then creates a cycle of addiction, because your brain is wired to continue seeking out behaviors that bring you pleasure.

When someone abuses Lortab, even when they start out with a legitimate prescription, they’re at a greater risk of becoming addicted. That addiction can then lead them to try and find more of the drug, which can up the likelihood they purchase fake Lortab.

Fake Lortab Pills and Bars

Many people hear warnings of fake pain pills and wonder what fake Lortab pills look like. Because the manufacturing of Lortab pills was discontinued, any tablets purchased as Lortab are either fake or long expired.

When Lortab pills were still being manufactured, they looked like white tablets with small colored flecks or solid pink tablets. Pills today that are being called Lortab may look similar to this, but even if they are real, they are well past their expiration date. Street dealers may try to make fake pills that look similar to old Lortab pills, but these may contain unknown fillers, stronger opioids, like fentanyl, or even poisonous substances.

Purchasing anything from a street dealer is dangerous because you never know what is in the product.

Fake Lortab Ingredients

Fake Lortab may contain unknown fillers with no opioid activity or even poisonous substances. Also, fake Lortab may contain a stronger opioid than hydrocodone, like fentanyl. Methamphetamine or cocaine could be found in fake Lortab too. Sometimes counterfeit opioids are much cheaper to obtain or manufacture, which makes it even easier for dealers to distribute these products.

How To Identify Fake Lortab

Unfortunately, there is no sure way to identify fake Lortab pills, but because this medication is no longer manufactured in tablet form, anyone selling or distributing Lortab is making false claims about their product. The only legitimate Lortab product currently available is the liquid formulation.

Side Effects of Fake Lortab

Side effects related to fake Lortab pills can vary depending on what is contained in the fake product. If the product contains opioids, side effects include standard effects of opioid use:

• Drowsiness
• Decreased breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Dizziness
• Constipation

The risk of overdose with fake Lortab is high, especially because many fake opioid products contain fentanyl. Opioid overdose can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.

Summing Up Fake Lortab

Counterfeit drugs are a major public health concern because many fake opioid pills, including fake Lortab, contain unknown and deadly substances. There is evidence that people selling Lortab and other opioids contain fentanyl, a powerful opioid. Breathing in even a small amount of fentanyl can lead to a fatal overdose. It is important to be aware that taking fake opioid products can be deadly, and that buying street drugs is very risky since it is impossible to know what is contained in the drug.

If you or a loved one living with addiction, call The Recovery Village to speak to a representative about how individualized treatment can work for you. With treatment plans catering to a patient’s unique needs, the professional staff at The Recovery Village work with the patient to address their addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. You deserve a healthier future, call today.

Editor – Thomas Christiansen

With over a decade of content experience, Tom produces and edits research articles, news and blog posts produced for Advanced Recovery Systems. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Christina Caplinger, RPh

Christina Caplinger is a licensed pharmacist in both Colorado and Idaho and is also a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. Read more