$Unique_ID{BRK03198} $Pretitle{} $Title{ketoprofen} $Subject{Orudis Wyeth-Ayerst Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic ketoprofen rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis prostaglandins pain inflammation} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. ketoprofen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Orudis (Wyeth-Ayerst) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT ketoprofen DOSAGE FORM Capsules (25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg) STORAGE Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES Ketoprofen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ketoprofen has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that trigger pain and inflammation. However, it is not yet fully understood how ketoprofen works. TREATMENT Ketoprofen should be taken immediately after meals or with food in order to reduce stomach irritation. Check with your doctor about taking ketoprofen with an antacid. Take ketoprofen on schedule and try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. Ketoprofen does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control symptoms as long as you take the drug. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Abdominal pain, changes in taste, constipation, decreased or increased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue, flushing, gas, headache, heartburn, increased heart rate, increased thirst, nausea, nosebleeds, sweating, vomiting, or weight change. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. Ketoprofen may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about black or tarry stools, chills, confusion, decreased or painful urination, hair loss, itching, memory loss, mouth sores, muscle pains, palpitations, rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet, tingling in the fingers or toes, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weight gain, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Ketoprofen interacts with several other types of medications: 1. Ketoprofen can increase the risk of bleeding complications with anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin). 2. Ketoprofen can interfere with the diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazidetype diuretics (water pills). 3. Aspirin can alter the blood levels and elimination of ketoprofen from the body. 4. Probenecid can increase the blood levels of ketoprofen, which can lead to an increased chance of side effects. 5. The action of beta blockers may be affected by this drug. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to ketoprofen or to any other chemically related drugs, including aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin. * Before taking ketoprofen, tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had anemia, bleeding problems, gastrointestinal diseases, heart failure, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, or ulcers. * If ketoprofen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * If vision problems develop while taking this medication, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. Your doctor or dentist may recommend stopping ketoprofen for several days prior to surgery, to decrease the risk of bleeding complications. * The elderly may be at increased risk of experiencing some of the side effects of this medication. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although ketoprofen appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Ketoprofen should be avoided late in pregnancy because it can alter fetal heart circulation. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not yet known whether ketoprofen passes into human breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.