Ketoprofen - Oral

Ketoprofen helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with certain muscle, joint or tendon disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles), osteoarthritis (joint pain and swelling due to bone damage or deterioration), ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in joints of your spine), bursitis (inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac that cushions between the bones, tendons and muscles) and tendinitis (inflammation of tendons).

This medicine may also be used to treat pain associated with menstrual periods.

Ketoprofen may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Ketoprofen exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal.

Ketoprofen is available as a conventional capsule and a modified-release capsule.

If you are taking the conventional capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking the modified-release type of capsule, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Ketoprofen or similar medicines such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of asthma, rhinitis (inflammation of the inside lining of the nose caused by allergens), skin rash, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or similar painkillers
• active stomach or intestinal ulcer, bleeding or perforation
• history of stomach and/or intestinal bleeding, perforation, or ulceration related to NSAID therapy
• long-term indigestion
• bleeding problems
• severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• severe kidney disease
• severe liver disease

as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Ketoprofen if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Ketoprofen may cause harm to your unborn child.

This medicine should not be used to treat pain in the setting of a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (procedure to improve and restore the blood flow in the heart).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol levels
• diabetes
• blood disorders
• history of bowel disease e.g. ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines), Crohn's disease (long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract)
• systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
• asthma
• mild to moderate kidney disease
• mild to moderate liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ketoprofen to the elderly or debilitated patient (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated patients may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver/kidney function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring for signs of stomach or bowel problems and vision changes may also be needed.

Ketoprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach wind, loss of appetite, and ringing in the ears.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• chest pain or tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness
• sudden difficulty in speaking, loss of balance, weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
• pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, heparin
• water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, losartan
• medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
• lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
• digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
• methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
• probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ketoprofen.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and excessive heat and humidity.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.