KETOPROFEN

Drug Name: KETOPROFEN

KETOPROFEN DESCRIPTION:
KETOPROFEN - ORAL SUSTAINED ACTION CAPSULE (kee-toe-PRO-fen)

COMMON KETOPROFEN BRAND NAME(S):
Oruvail

KETOPROFEN 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 or nervousness may occur. KETOPROFEN may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Rarely, ringing in the ears or hearing loss may occur. Infrequently, KETOPROFEN 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. Notify your doctor if you develop: persistent stomach pain, black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, edema (swelling hands or feet), vision changes, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE KETOPROFEN:
KETOPROFEN: Take with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Take KETOPROFEN with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking KETOPROFEN. Sustained release or long acting preparations must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them or the sustained activity may be destroyed and side effects increased.

KETOPROFEN USES:
KETOPROFEN relieves pain and reduces inflammation. KETOPROFEN is commonly used to treat the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis. Due to its controlled-release nature, it is not effective for "fast" pain relief.

KETOPROFEN PRECAUTIONS:
Be sure your doctor knows your medical history, especially of: ulcers, kidney probblems, liver problems, heart disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). 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. KETOPROFEN should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because KETOPROFEN appears in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

KETOPROFEN 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.

KETOPROFEN 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.

KETOPROFEN 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 KETOPROFEN 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.

KETOPROFEN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.