Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Tolmetin for body pain, swelling, or joint problems? This is a common medicine that we often use as a pain reliever. But there are a few things we need to be very careful about when using this medicine. So, to answer the questions you have in mind, let's talk about this medicine today in a simple way, just like you would tell a friend.
What kind of medicine is this really?
Simply put, Tolmetin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . We call this group of drugs NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). This mainly controls the pain, swelling, and inflammation that occurs in our body. Doctors recommend this drug for many conditions such as joint pain and muscle pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before prescribing this medicine. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have high blood pressure, a heart attack, heart failure, or have had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- Intestinal problems: If you have conditions such as stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding.
- Blood problems: If you have a bleeding disorder or low red blood cell counts.
- Other medical conditions: If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or respiratory diseases such as asthma.
- Your habits: If you are a regular drinker or smoker.
- Other medications: If you are taking steroids, such as prednisone.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Tolmetin, another NSAID (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin, or any other medicine or food.
- Pregnancy: It is essential to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take your medicine every day, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- For best results, take on an empty stomach, either 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal .
- If you experience stomach upset when taking it on an empty stomach, you can ask your doctor about taking it with an antacid.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Important: If you have any suspicion that you have taken more than the prescribed dose, 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 others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 1-2 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This medication may interact with some other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
| Possible drug interactions with Tolmetin | |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with: | |
| Cidofovir | Methotrexate |
| This medicine may interact with (tell your doctor): | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and similar medications |
| Water pills (Diuretics) | Lithium |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) |
| Types of steroids (e.g. prednisone) | Blood thinners such as warfarin |
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or decreasing. Pay special attention to these points as well.
Risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, advancing age, and poor health increase this risk. If you have stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black (tarry) stools, see a doctor immediately.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
This medicine does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it may increase your risk with long-term use or if you already have heart disease.
Severe skin allergies
Severe skin reactions can sometimes occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a fever, body aches, red or purple blisters on your skin, and then the skin peels off, seek medical advice immediately.
Take care during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, taking this medicine may harm your unborn baby, especially between weeks 20 and 30. Avoid taking this medicine completely after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergy | Skin rash, itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding | Blood in the stool or stools that are black like tar; urine that is red/dark brown; vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin, unusual bruising. |
| Heart attack/blood clot/stroke | Chest pain, difficulty breathing; leg pain, swelling; difficulty speaking, sudden weakness. |
| Liver/kidney damage | Change in the amount of urine you pass; dark yellow/brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting | Bloating, diarrhea |
| Headache , dizziness | Ringing in the ears, heartburn |
Take-Home Message
- Before you start taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Do not share your medication with others.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as signs of stomach bleeding (black stools), chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) with this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
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