Ketoprofen

Brand Name:Apo-Keto, Apo-Keto-E, Apo-Keto-SR, Apo- Novo-Keto, Nu- Nu-Ketoprofen-SR, Rhodis, Rhodis EC

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Ketoprofen is used to reduce the inflammation, pain and stiffness that come with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and another condition called ankylosing spondylitis.

It can also be used to relieve other pain, including aches and pains in the muscle, bones, and joints, pain due to headaches (including migraines), menstrual cramps, dental work or surgery/procedures.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you have had asthma, itchiness, hives or other allergic reactions to ketoprofen or other similar medications called NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and others. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • angina (chest pain) or previous heart attack
  • recent heart surgery
  • asthma or nasal polyps
  • congestive heart failure
  • high blood pressure
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • problems with stomach ulcers, bleeding of the stomach or heartburn
  • problems with inflammation of the rectum or bleeding from the rectum
  • problems with severe dehydration
  • problems with bleeding (e.g. easy bruising, nose bleeds)
  • problems with drinking a lot of alcohol
  • swelling of the ankles or legs

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • nausea and vomiting, gas, heartburn, stomach pain
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • swelling of the ankles or feet (may worsen signs and symptoms related to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure)
  • skin rash, itching, increased sensitivity to the sun

Some of these side effects are related to the dose and may go away with time.

Other less common side effects and/or sometimes severe side effects include:

  • stomach ulcer with or without bleeding - contact your doctor immediately if you notice blood in your vomit, bloody or black tarry stools
  • problems with hearing or ringing in the ears
  • problems with the kidney - contact your doctor immediately if you notice any pain or difficulty when urinating, any change in the amount of your urine, any dark red/brown discolouration of your urine
  • rare cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - call your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, and/or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • blurred and/or diminished vision
  • may interfere with how well your blood can form clots
  • blood disorders
  • a skin disorder associated with a blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • increased risk of heart attack or stroke

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • Other pain medications that include ASA and other anti-inflammatories (e.g., diclofenac, naproxen) - this can increase your chance of having side effects, especially ulcers and/or bleeding
  • If you are taking medications to treat high blood pressure, this medication can interfere with how well your blood pressure medication can work and your blood pressure may increase - your doctor will likely check your blood pressure periodically while you are taking this medication
  • Water pills (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) – this medication may cause swelling of the ankles and feet, increase your chance of having kidney problems, and may interfere with how well the water pills can work
  • If you are taking medications for congestive heart failure, this medication may make worsen the symptoms of this disease and interfere with how well your medications can work - call your doctor immediately if you notice that your symptoms of heart failure are getting worse
  • Medications for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, metformin, insulin) - this medication may increase the likelihood of having low blood sugar
  • Blood thinners (e.g., clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin) - this medication may increase your chances of bleeding
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone) - this medication may increase your chances having a stomach ulcer, with or without bleeding
  • Cyclosporine - may increase the amount of cyclosporine in your blood and increase your chances of side effects, especially those related to the kidney
  • Lithium - may increase the amount of lithium in your blood
  • Methotrexate - may increase the amount of methotrexate in your blood and increase your chances of side effects
  • Potassium supplements, some water pills (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene) - may increase the amount of potassium in your blood
  • Levofloxacin and possibly other similar drugs like ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin - may increase the risk of seizures; rare and if occurs, may be in those at risk for seizures

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Surgery: If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking this drug well in advance as excessive bleeding during and after surgery may occur. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the medication one day prior to surgery.

Sun Protection: Your skin may burn more easily while taking this medication. It is therefore recommended that you use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to decrease the chance of this happening.

Children: Generally not prescribed for those under 12 years of age, although it is sometimes used for juvenile arthritis. Lower doses are likely necessary. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects, especially stomach side effects. Lower doses are usually necessary.

Pregnancy: Should be avoided in the last 3 months of pregnancy as it may prolong labour and could have an adverse effect on the baby’s heart. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Very little information is known about this drug and breastfeeding. Other similar drugs are available and can be used. Benefits and risks must be discussed with your doctor

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of stomach problems.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause vomiting and confusion. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor first.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is coming up within 4 hours take the missed dose now and skip the next. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None.