Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

KETOPROFEN - ORAL

(kee-toe-PRO-fen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Orudis

Uses

This medication relieves pain and reduces inflammation. This medication is commonly used to treat the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual cramps.

How To Use

Take with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. This medication is most effective in relieving menstrual pain if taken at the earliest sign of pain.

Side Effects

Stomach upset is the most common side effect. If this persists or becomes severe, notify your doctor. Headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, dizziness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: vision changes, yellowing eyes or skin, ringing in the ears/hearing loss. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history especially of: ulcers, kidney problems, liver problems, heart trouble, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Alcohol and smoking may aggravate stomach irritation. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because this medication appears in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: blood thinners such as warfarin, other arthritis medication, methotrexate, probenecid, water pills, lithium. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

Notes

In arthritis, it may take up to four weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results, this must be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.