Your doctor may have prescribed
painkillers for your joint pain and arthritis. But have you ever felt that you get a stomach ache or gastritis when you take them? It is actually very common for painkillers to cause stomach problems. So, this special medicine that we are talking about today is a good solution to this problem.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. 1.
Ibuprofen : This is a drug that belongs to
the NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) class of painkillers. This is used
to reduce pain and swelling in your joints and muscles. 2.
Famotidine: This is a drug that belongs to
the H2 blocker class of drugs. This is used to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach and prevent painkillers like Ibuprofen from damaging the stomach lining, which means preventing the formation of
stomach ulcers . So this pill does two things at once. While reducing pain, it also prevents the damage that the painkiller can cause to the stomach. This combination can be found under various brand names in Sri Lanka and abroad, such as `(DUEXIS)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Okay, before using this medicine, it
is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| If you have asthma. |
| If you are a smoker. |
| If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. |
| If you have heart disease or high blood pressure. |
| If you have had stomach ulcers or bleeding in the past. |
| If you have kidney disease or liver disease. |
| If you have other stomach or intestinal problems. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to Famotidine, Ibuprofen or other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is, do not break, crush, or chew this pill. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
- You can take this before or after a meal, but if you feel an upset stomach or discomfort, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose if you feel like it.
- Do not stop taking your medication without medical advice.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital
Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take a double dose. Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also about herbs and vitamins you use, and if you smoke or drink alcohol. Some things can interact with these medications.
Never take these medications together. These things can cause problems - ask your doctor.
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Methotrexate | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin |
| Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Some medications for mental illness |
| Diuretics that are taken frequently | Lithium |
| Types of steroids (e.g. Prednisone) | Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Stomach bleeding and ulcers : This medicine can sometimes cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without any symptoms. Smoking , drinking alcohol , getting older , and having poor health conditions increase this risk.
If you suddenly have a stomach ache, vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, or your stools are black and tarry , call your doctor immediately .
- Heart attack and stroke : Long-term use of this medication may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk is higher if you already have heart disease. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor about this before taking this medication.
- Pregnancy: This is very important. If you are pregnant, taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm your unborn baby. So you should talk to your doctor about it. After 30 weeks, it is not advisable to take this medicine at all.
- Skin allergies:Some people may experience severe skin reactions several weeks after starting this medication. If you experience fever, body aches, a red rash, blisters, or peeling skin, seek medical attention immediately.
- Drowsiness/Dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this affects you.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking this medication for a long time can cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you are taking and get the necessary advice.
Possible side effects
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention |
|---|
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding: Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating. |
| Kidney damage: decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver damage: pain in the right abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Symptoms of a stroke: sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Skin blisters, redness, peeling. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
|---|
| Constipation or diarrhea |
| Headache |
| Appetite |
| Nausea, stomach discomfort |
Take-Home Message
- This is a combination of two medications: Ibuprofen, which reduces pain, and Famotidine, which reduces stomach acid and protects the stomach.
- Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Watch for signs of stomach bleeding, such as stomach pain, black stools, vomiting blood, and severe skin rash.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, always seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Ibuprofen, Famotidine, Painkillers, Arthritis, Gastritis, Stomach Inflammation, Side Effects
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