What prescription painkiller does Gregory House frequently take in House M.D.?

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Gregory House frequently takes Vicodin in House M.D.

Vicodin is a brand name for a combination of hydrocodone and paracetamol, also called acetaminophen. In the series, House uses it to manage chronic leg pain caused by an earlier infarction in his quadriceps muscle. His reliance on the medication becomes a major part of his health, relationships, and professional conflicts.

House’s use is not simply a background detail. Several storylines examine tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and the effect of substance use on judgment. The drama often treats his medication as both a pain-management tool and a source of escalating personal risk.

Vicodin is frequently confused with morphine or OxyContin, but those are different medications. The brand name also reflects the show’s original American context; formulations and brand availability can vary by country and over time.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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