Fenoprofen

What is Fenoprofen?

Fenoprofen is an anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drug (NSAID) that is prescribed for treating mild to moderate discomfort, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Fenoprofen can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.

Side effects of Fenoprofen

See a doctor immediately. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives and runny or stuffy noses, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and sore throat, eye burning, irritation, and the skin is red or purple with peeling and blisters),

Seek medical attention immediately. If you're experiencing indications of a stroke or heart attack: chest pain spreading into your shoulder or jaw A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in one part of your body; speech that is slurred; swelling of your legs; a feeling of being tired

Fenoprofen may cause serious side effects. Stop taking fenoprofen, and consult your physician immediately in case you experience:

• Changes in your vision
• Any skin rash, regardless of how minor;
• Breathlessness (even when exerting only a little);
• Weight gain, swelling, or rapid weight gain
• Symptoms of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stool and the dribbling of blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Liver issues: nausea and stomach pains in the upper part of the stomach, itching, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and loss of appetite. Black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• Kidney issues: little or no urinary frequency; swelling in your ankles and feet; being tired or fatigued; or
• Low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, uncharacteristically tired, feeling lightheaded, cold hands and feet

Common negative effects of fenoprofen include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion;
• Diarrhea, constipation;
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• Being anxious;
• Itching or itching, sweating, or
• Ringing in your ears.

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Fenoprofen increases the risk of fatal coronary heart attacks and strokes. Don't use fenoprofen prior to or after the heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Fenoprofen could also trigger intestinal or stomach bleeding and cause fatal bleeding.

Before you take this drug

Fenoprofen may increase the risk of a fatal stroke or heart attack, even if there aren't certain risk factors. Avoid using this medicine immediately prior to or after the procedure for heart bypass (coronary bypass graft for an artery, or CABG). Fenoprofen is also known to cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which could be fatal. These problems can develop at any time while taking fenoprofen, particularly among older people.

Fenoprofen is not a good choice when you have an allergy to it or if you've had an asthma attack or an extreme allergic reaction after using aspirin or an nsaid. Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke
• A stroke, a heart attack, or a blood clot
• Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or stomach ulcers;
• Asthma;
• Fluid retention;
• Kidney or liver disease; or
• If you are taking aspirin to stop heart attacks or strokes,

If you're pregnant, then you shouldn't take fenoprofen unless your doctor advises you not to. Taking an nsaid in the final 20 weeks before birth could cause kidney or heart issues in the baby who is not born and possibly complications related to the pregnancy.

It is not recommended to breastfeed during the use of fenoprofen.

Fenoprofen has not been approved to be used by anyone younger than 18 years of age.

How to take Fenoprofen?

Follow the instructions on the prescription label and read the entire medication guide. Choose the dosage that will be effective in treating your condition. Fenoprofen can be taken in combination with milk or food. If you are taking this medication for a long period of time, you could require regular medical examinations. It could take up to three weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Continue to take the medication as prescribed and notify your physician if symptoms don't improve.

This medication can alter the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking fenoprofen. Keep the bottle at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

From 400 to 600 mg daily, 3 to 4 times per day. Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day.

Comments:
Adjustments to dosages should be made upon the start of treatment or when there is an increase in the severity or flare-ups of the condition.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally require greater doses than those suffering from osteoarthritis. The smallest dose of effectiveness that gives adequate control for either condition should be used.

Use: To relieve the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis as well as

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

From 400 to 600 mg daily, 3 to 4 times per day. Maximum dose: 3200 mg/day.

Comments:
Adjustments to dosages should be made upon the start of treatment or when there is an increase in the severity of the course of disease.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis typically require greater doses than those who have osteoarthritis. The smallest dose that provides an acceptable level of control for both conditions should be used.

Use: To ease the discomfort of the symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

200 mg once orally each 4–6 hours, as is. Use: To ease the pain of moderate to mild discomfort.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include vomiting, drowsiness, stomach pain, or bleeding from the stomach.

What should be avoided?

Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using any other medications for swelling, pain, fever, or other symptoms of the cold or flu. They may contain ingredients that are similar to fenoprofen (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen).

Do not take aspirin unless your doctor has instructed you to. Beware of drinking alcohol. It can increase the chance of bleeding from your stomach. Consult your physician before taking an antacid. Use only the one recommended by your physician. Certain antacids could make it more difficult for your body to absorb fenoprofen.

Interaction with other drugs

Talk to your doctor prior to taking fenoprofen when you are taking any antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants together with an NSAID could cause bleeding or bruises easily.

Discuss with your doctor all other medications, including:

• Cyclosporine;
• Lithium;
• Methotrexate;
• A blood thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• Blood pressure or heart medication such as diuretics or "water pills";
• Oral diabetes medicine;
• Seizure medication (especially phenobarbital or phenytoin);
• Steroid medicine (such as prednisone); or
• A sulfa drug.

This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect the fenoprofen effect, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are included here.