What is Duexis?
Duexis is a combination of famotidine and ibuprofen. Famotidine works as a histamine blocker. Famotidine reduces the amount of stomach acid. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen reduces hormones in the body that cause inflammation and discomfort. Duexis is an anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen is used to treat symptoms associated with arthritis. Famotidine reduces the risk of stomach and intestine ulcers caused by ibuprofen. Taking famotidine and ibuprofen together (Advil, Motrin) does not produce the same effects as Duexis.
Warnings
Ibuprofen may increase the risk of a fatal stroke or heart attack, especially if taken long-term, in high doses, or if there is heart disease. Duexis should not be taken before or after heart bypass surgery. Ibuprofen may cause severe stomach or intestinal bleeding that leads to fatality. Duexis can cause these conditions without warning, especially for older adults.
Before you take this drug
Duexis should not be used if you're allergic to famotidine, ibuprofen, or have had a severe allergic reaction or aspirin attack after taking an NSAID or aspirin. Ibuprofen may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke even if there are no risk factors. This medicine should not be taken before or after heart bypass surgery. Ibuprofen may cause severe stomach or intestinal bleeding that leads to fatality. Duexis can cause these conditions without warning, especially for older adults.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Duexis will be safe for you:
- Heart disease High blood pressure
- Bleeding problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- A stomach or intestinal disorder.
- A connective tissue disorder such as Sjogren’s syndrome or Lupus.
- Asthma;
- If you smoke or consume alcohol,
Do not take Duexis during pregnancy unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. An NSAID can cause kidney or heart problems for the unborn child and complications in pregnancy. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Duexis cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Duexis?
Duexis should be taken exactly as directed by the label or your doctor. Use the lowest effective dose to treat your condition. Duexis is typically taken three times a day. Don't exceed your recommended dosage. Ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach and intestines if you take more than the recommended dose. The maximum dosage for adults is 3200 milligrams (4 doses) per day, or 800 milligrams per dose. Duexis should only be used in the smallest dose needed to relieve pain, swelling, or fever. Duexis tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Swallow the entire tablet. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you take this medication for a long time. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to maintain maximum shelf life.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for osteoarthritis:
Famotidine 26.66 mg-Ibuprofen (800 mg) (1 tablet) taken orally three times per day
Uses: To relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Also to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers such as gastric or duodenal ulcers when ibuprofen is taken for these indications.
Adult dose for rheumatoid arthritis:
Famotidine 26.66 mg-Ibuprofen (800 mg) (1 tablet) taken orally three times per day
Uses: To relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers, including gastric or duodenal ulcers, in patients who take ibuprofen.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning. Additionally, seek immediate medical care as needed. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.
What should be avoided?
They may contain ingredients similar to ibuprofen (such as aspirin, a .These medicines may contain similar ingredients to ibuprofen, such as aspirin or ketoprofen. Do not use other medications containing ibuprofen. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Side effects of Duexis
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Duexis, such as sneezing, a runny nose, difficulty breathing or swelling in the face or throat, or a severe reaction on your skin (fever, a sore throat with burning eyes or skin pain, or a red or purple rash that blisters and peels), seek emergency medical attention. Should any of these symptoms present themselves, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
If you experience:
- Changes in your vision
- The first sign of any skin rash is important, regardless of how mild it may be.
- Fever, headache, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to the light Nausea, vomiting, confusion, and drowsiness
- A severe headache can cause blurred vision or a pounding sensation in the neck, ears, or head.
- Little or no urination
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Liver disease: fatigue, nausea, dark urine and stools with clay-colored particles, jaundice, yellowing of the skin, eyes, or skin;
- Anemia (low red blood cells): pale or bluish skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, cold hands or feet;
- Signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stool, bloody vomit, or bloody coughing.
Some side effects are more common in people with severe kidney disease and older adults.
Duexis may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Before taking Duexis, tell your doctor if you are on a blood thinner such as warfarin or Coumadin or an antidepressant like citalopram (Prozac), escitalopram (Citalopram), paroxetine (Zoloft), sertraline, trazodone (Trazodone), or vilazodone (Zoloft). Taking these medications with an NSAID can cause you to bleed or bruise easily. It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective. Famotidine and ibuprofen can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
