What you need to know about Ketoprofen

Has your doctor prescribed you Ketoprofen for your joint pain, back pain, or other muscle pain? If so, it's important for your safety to be fully informed about this medication. Let's talk about this simply, as if we were talking to a friend.

What is Ketoprofen?

Simply put, ketoprofen is a medicine that is used to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by conditions such as arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) . Although the name is a bit complicated, it simply means that these are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Imagine that your knee is swollen and painful. That swelling and the chemical process associated with it are the main cause of the pain. What this medicine does is control the process that causes that swelling. Then the swelling decreases and the pain goes away.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is the most important part. It is essential to tell your doctor about any health problems you have. Because medications like Ketoprofen may not be compatible with certain medical conditions. See the table below. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before taking the medication.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

The way to use this is very simple.

• Take by mouth: This comes as a tablet. Take with a glass of water.
• Take it at the right time: Take the right dose, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. If you take it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
• With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However , if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, take it with a meal. This will reduce the effect on your stomach.
• If you are over 65 years old: The effects of this medicine may be a little stronger for people over 65 years old. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose for you. Be aware of that.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is not a game, so act quickly.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Imagine you forgot to take your morning dose. If you remember during the day, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose (for example, it's late at night), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once just to make up for a forgotten dose.

Other things that are incompatible with Ketoprofen (Interactions)

When taking this medication, you should tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking, as some medications can interact with this medication and cause dangerous side effects.

Definitely avoid taking ketoprofen with the following:

• Other NSAIDs: Do not take other painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac with this medicine. Doing so greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage.
• Aspirin: If you are taking low-dose aspirin to protect against heart disease, tell your doctor about it.
• Blood thinners: If you take medications like Warfarin, the risk of bleeding is very high.
• Some medications for high blood pressure: These medications may reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure control medications.
• Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding.

This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

Pay attention to any changes in your body while using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

1. Stomach bleeding

This is the most common and dangerous side effect. It can happen without any warning . Watch out for these symptoms:

• A severe stomach ache.
• Vomiting like coffee grounds .
• Black, tarry stools.
• Vomiting blood.

2. Risk of heart attack and stroke

When this medication is used long-term, especially in people with heart disease, there may be a slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Be aware of these symptoms:

• Chest tightness, aching (this pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, and jaw).
• Sudden difficulty breathing.
• Feeling dizzy and fainting.
• Numbness and weakness on one side of the body.
• Difficulty speaking, slurring of words.

If you feel anything like this, seek medical advice immediately.

3. Severe skin reactions

Although rare, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction to this medicine.

• Fever, body aches, and red skin rashes.
• Over time, these lesions turn into blisters and the skin peels off.
• Sores inside the mouth.
• Swelling of the face, lips, and neck.

If you see something like this, it could be a serious condition. See a doctor immediately.

What are the possible side effects of the medication?

Like any medicine, ketoprofen can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common. This table will help you understand them clearly.