ETODOLAC SUSTAINED-ACTION - ORAL (Lodine XL) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

etodolac sustained-action - oral, Lodine XL

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GENERIC NAME: ETODOLAC SUSTAINED-ACTION - ORAL (ee-TOE-doe-lack)

BRAND NAME(S): Lodine XL

WARNING: This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Also, related drugs rarely have caused blood clots to form, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. This medication might also rarely cause similar problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of treatment, as well as other possible medication choices.

If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop taking etodolac and seek immediate medical attention: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

USES: This medication is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. Etodolac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using etodolac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets; doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than recommended because this may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.It may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefits of this drug take effect.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting, difficult/painful swallowing.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck.This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking etodolac and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.