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$Title{KETOPROFEN}
$Subject{Orudis (Wyeth)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


KETOPROFEN
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Orudis (Wyeth)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     ketoprofen
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (50 mg and 75 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Ketoprofen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Ketoprofen has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals,
called prostaglandins, that trigger pain and inflammation.  However, it is not
yet fully understood how ketoprofen works.

TREATMENTKetoprofen should be taken immediately after meals or with food in
order to reduce stomach irritation.  Check with your doctor about taking
ketoprofen with an antacid.
     It is important to take ketoprofen on schedule and not to miss any doses.
If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.
     Ketoprofen does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control symptoms
as long as you take the drug.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, changes in taste, constipation, decreased or increased
appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive salivation,
fatigue, flushing, gas, headache, heartburn, increased heart rate, increased
thirst, nausea, nosebleeds, sweating, vomiting, or weight change.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this medication.
     Ketoprofen may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down; get up slowly from a sitting or
reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
black or tarry stools, chills, confusion, decreased or painful urination, hair
loss, itching, memory loss, mouth sores, muscle pains, palpitations, rash,
shortness of breath, swelling of the feet, tingling in the fingers or toes,
unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weight gain, visual disturbances, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Ketoprofen interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Ketoprofen can increase the risk of bleeding complications with
anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin).
     2. Ketoprofen can interfere with the diuretic effects of furosemide and
thiazidetype diuretics (water pills).
     3. Aspirin can alter the blood levels and elimination of ketoprofen from
the body.
     4. Ketoprofen can increase the blood levels of probenecid, which can lead
to an increased chance of side effects.
     5. The action of beta blockers may be affected by this drug.
     Before starting ketoprofen, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to ketoprofen or to any other chemically
related drugs, including aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meclofenamate, mefenamic
acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or
tolmetin.
     * Before taking ketoprofen, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had anemia, bleeding problems, gastrointestinal diseases, heart
failure, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, or ulcers.
     * If ketoprofen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * If vision problems develop while taking this medication, your doctor
may refer you to an ophthalmologist.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.  Your
doctor or dentist may recommend stopping ketoprofen for several days prior to
surgery, to decrease the risk of bleeding complications.
     * The elderly may be at increased risk of experiencing some of the side
effects of this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although ketoprofen
appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Ketoprofen should be avoided late in pregnancy because it can
alter fetal heart circulation.  Also tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not yet known whether ketoprofen passes into
human breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
