Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Apo-Keto, Orudis, Oruvail, Rhodis.

Medication type - NSAID

Common side effects - Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, dizziness, sleepiness.

Rare side effects - Ulcers or sores in mouth, depression, rashes or blistering of skin, ringing sound in the ears, unusual tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, seizures, blurred vision. Also elevated potassium levels, decreased blood counts; such problems can be detected by your doctor.

Serious side effects - Shortness of breath or wheezing, with or without swelling of legs or other signs of heart failure; chest pain; peptic ulcer disease with vomiting of blood; black, tarry stools; decreasing kidney function. Call your doctor immediately.

Dosage - Adults Tablets or capsules: 50 mg, 4 times a day, or 75 mg, 3 times a day. Extended-release tablets or capsules: 200 mg once a day. Maximum dosage 300mg per day.

Uses - To treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation.

Other notes - Take with food. Prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal problems, including ulceration and bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and liver inflammation. Consult your doctor about the need for medical examinations and lab tests. Avoid alcohol when using this medication because it increases the risk of stomach irritation. Do not use ketoprofen while pregnant. Ketoprofen passes into breast milk; avoid use while nursing. Because NSAIDs can interfere with blood coagulation, this drug should be stopped at least 3 days prior to any surgery. Do not take this drug with aspirin or any other NSAIDs without your doctors approval