What is Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Ketoprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ketoprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ketoprofen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Ketoprofen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoprofen, or to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Before taking ketoprofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, bowel problems, diverticulosis
• liver or kidney disease
• asthma
• polyps in your nose; or
• if you smoke

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ketoprofen is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ketoprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Actron Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ketoprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• confusion, tremors or shaking
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas
• dizziness, headache, nervousness
• skin itching or rash
• dry mouth
• increased sweating, runny nose
• blurred vision; or
• ringing in your ears

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Actron Interactions

What other drugs affect Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with ketoprofen may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Before taking ketoprofen, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• probenecid (Benemid)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), or an anti-platelet medication such as clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and others
• steroids (prednisone and others)
• aspirin, or other NSAIDs such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ketoprofen. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain medicines similar to ketoprofen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Do not drink alcohol while taking ketoprofen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Actron Dosage

How should I take Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Ketoprofen should not be used to treat minor aches and pains.

If you take ketoprofen for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store ketoprofen at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, urinating less than usual or not at all, shallow breathing, fainting, seizure (convulsion), or coma.

What happens if I miss a dose of Actron (Ketoprofen)?

Since ketoprofen is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com