Do you also have unbearable joint pain and swelling due to arthritis? In such a case, your doctor may have prescribed you a pill called Sulindac. This is a painkiller that many people use. So, let's learn exactly about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Sulindac is a pain and swelling medication. It is often used to treat joint conditions, especially arthritis. You may also see it under the brand name Clinoril.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) . This means that it reduces the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain, swelling, and fever. It can also be used for other things, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Okay, now this is the most important part. Before starting this medicine, it is essential to tell your doctor about any health problems you have. Because this medicine is not suitable for people with certain diseases. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| Bleeding disorders |
| Having previously undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery |
| Dehydration conditions |
| Frequent drinking |
| Heart attack, heart disease, or heart failure |
| High blood pressure |
| Kidney disease or kidney stones |
| Liver disease |
| Low red blood cell counts |
| Lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma |
| Lupus disease |
| Stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, or other intestinal problems |
| Tobacco use |
| Allergic reaction to Sulindac or other medications, foods, or dyes |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant |
| Breastfeeding the baby |
How should I use this medicine?
This pill should be taken by mouth. Take it every day, at the same time, as prescribed by your doctor. The most important thing is to take it with or immediately after a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. This will help reduce the risk of stomach upset. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
People over the age of 65 may have a stronger reaction to this medicine, so they may need a lower dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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
This is also very important. When you take Sulindac, it can 'interact' with some other medications you are taking. This means that the effectiveness of those medications may change, or the side effects may increase. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Do not take Sulindac with the following medications: | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac |
| Methotrexate | Pemetrexed |
| Problems may also occur with the following medications: | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines |
| Cyclosporine, Diflunisal, Lithium, Probenecid | Diuretics |
| Diabetes medication | Medication for high blood pressure |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | Other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation - e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Steroids (e.g. Prednisone, Cortisone) | Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) |
Things to consider when taking medication
See your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or not. If your symptoms are not improving or getting worse, tell them about it.
Be careful of stomach bleeding.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the intestines. This can happen even if there are no symptoms. Smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and having poor health conditions increase this risk. If you have stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black stools, call your doctor right away.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, continued use of this medicine may slightly increase the risk in people with heart disease. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor about this before taking this medicine.
Possible severe skin reactions
Sometimes severe skin reactions can occur. These can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a red rash with fever, body aches, or blisters inside your mouth and the skin is peeling, see your doctor immediately.
Other risks
- Dizziness: This medicine may affect your ability to concentrate and react quickly. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Get up slowly when you get up from a sitting position.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about this medicine. It may harm your baby. It may also affect your ability to get pregnant.
What are the possible side effects?
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately |
|---|
|
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
|
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine. Expired and unused medicine should be destroyed. Ask your doctor if it is okay to throw these in the trash or if there is another way. If you are throwing them in the trash, take the pills out of the packet, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them away.
Take-Home Message
- Sulindac is a drug in the NSAID class that reduces pain and swelling caused by conditions such as arthritis.
- Always take this medicine with or immediately after a meal, not on an empty stomach.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, liver, and stomach problems) and all other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of serious risks such as stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and severe skin reactions.
- If you experience severe stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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