Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the response todifferent NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not unusual for adoctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.

PRESCRIPTION: yes; except for 12.5mg dose

PREPARATIONS: capsules: 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg;Oruvail(extended-release capsules): 100mg, 150mg, 200mg

STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container, avoidmoisture. Protect from excessive heat.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ketoprofen is used for the treatment ofinflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis. Orudisis immediately released into the blood and is also used for rapid reliefof mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps. Oruvail is slowly releasedinto the blood and is generally not useful in situations where prompt painrelief is desired.

DOSING: Should be taken with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ketoprofen should be avoided by patients witha history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirinor other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been reported insuch individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcerdisease or poor kidney function, since this medication can aggravate bothconditions.

Ketoprofen is generally used with caution in patients taking bloodthinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin),because of an increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. Probenecid (Benemid), used toreduce elevated uric acid levels, can cause ketoprofen blood levels toelevate. Simultaneous use is therefore avoided.

Ketoprofen is not recommended in children as it has not been adequatelystudied in younger patients. Ketoprofen is not habit forming. NSAIDsshould be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mildtendency to interfere with blood clotting. Ketoprofen is best discontinuedat least two days in advance of the procedure.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are atincreased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking ketoprofen orother NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Ketoprofen is generally avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Ketoprofen is generally avoided in nursingmothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from ketoprofen and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often desirable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of ketoprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears,and lightheadedness can also occur.