KETOPROFEN - ORAL (Orudis) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

KETOPROFEN-ORAL Index

ketoprofen - oral, Orudis

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GENERIC NAME: KETOPROFEN - ORAL (kee-toe-PRO-fen)

BRAND NAME(S): Orudis

WARNING: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ketoprofen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be increased if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (due to conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG). Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.

This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. (See also Precautions and Drug Interactions sections.)

Stop using ketoprofen and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: bloody or black/tarry stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

USES: Ketoprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.

HOW TO USE: If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ketoprofen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times a day with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Do not take the over-the-counter product for more than 10 days unless otherwise directed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may not work as well.If you are taking this medication for migraine headache and the pain is not relieved, or if it worsens after the first dose, tell your doctor immediately.For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.If your condition worsens, if you develop new symptoms, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.