$Unique_ID{BRK01956}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{FENOPROFEN}
$Subject{fenoprofen (various manufacturers)
Nalfon (Dista)
Nalfon 200 (Dista)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Nalfon 200*0195601.scf
Nalfon 300*0195602.scf
Nalfon 600*0195603.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FENOPROFEN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     fenoprofen (various manufacturers)
     Nalfon (Dista)
     Nalfon 200 (Dista)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     fenoprofen
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (200 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg)
     Tablets (600 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in tightly closed containers at room
       temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

USES

     Fenoprofen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis.
Fenoprofen has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals,
called prostaglandins, that trigger pain.  However, it is not yet fully
understood how fenoprofen works.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
quickly.  Since fenoprofen can cause stomach irritation, however, your doctor
may want you to take this medicine with food or antacids.
     If you are taking fenoprofen to relieve arthritis, you must take it
regularly as directed by your doctor.  It may take up to three weeks before
you feel its full benefits.  This medication does not cure arthritis, but it
will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     It is important to take fenoprofen 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 your 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.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should
disappear.
     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 for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     If any side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome, you should
report them to your doctor.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression;
difficult or painful urination; difficulty in breathing; hearing difficulties;
palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching;
stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore
throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness;
unusual weight gain; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Fenoprofen interacts with several types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an
increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Aspirin, salicylates, and other anti-inflammatory medications can lead
to an increase in stomach irritation caused by fenoprofen.
     3. Fenoprofen levels may be affected by concurrent use of phenobarbital.
     4. Probenecid may increase blood levels of fenoprofen, which may increase
the risk of side effects.
     5. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to
medications, especially to fenoprofen or any chemically related drug (such as
aspirin or other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, flurbiprofen,
indomethacin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen,
oxyphenbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin).
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had bleeding problems, colitis,
stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood
pressure, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or
Parkinson's disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your
doctor or dentist about this drug.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although studies in
humans have not been conducted, unwanted heart side effects have been reported
in the offspring of animals that received fenoprofen during pregnancy.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication can pass into 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.
