About etodolac

Etodolac is a type of anti-inflammatory painkiller called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation in people with rheumatic conditions such as artros och reumatoid artrit.

Etodolac works by blocking COX enzymes in the body. These enzymes help produce prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

When e blocks COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are made, so pain and inflammation decrease.

Common side effects of etodolac include:

• Indigestion.

• Heartburn (reflux).

• Magont.

• Illamående.

• Kräkningar.

• Diarré.

• Förstoppning.

• Feeling dizzy or tired.

A full list of the side effects can be found the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to etodolac, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Some medicines aren’t suitable for everyone. Before taking etodolac, your doctor needs to know:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and indometacin), or to any other medicine.

• If you have ever had a problem with bleeding from the stomach or intestines, such as from a peptic or duodenal ulcer.

• Om du har astma eller någon annan allergisk sjukdom.

• Om du har en hjärtsjukdom eller problem med dina blodkärl eller cirkulation.

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• Om du någonsin har haft problem med blodkoagulation.

• Om du har en inflammatorisk tarmsjukdom som Crohns sjukdom eller ulcerös kolit.

• If you have högt blodtryck.

• Om du har en bindvävssjukdom som systemisk lupus erythematosus. Detta är ett inflammatoriskt tillstånd som också kallas lupus eller SLE.

• Om du har några problem med hur din lever fungerar, eller om du har några problem med hur dina njurar fungerar.

• If you are taking any other medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine before you start. It explains how etodolac works and lists possible side effects.

• Etodolac comes in two forms:

  • Tablets that release the medicine slowly. Usually, you take one 600 mg tablet once a day.

  • Capsules that release the medicine faster. You may take one or two 300 mg capsules a day.

• Try to take your doses at the same time(s) each day as this will help you to remember to take etodolac regularly.

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole; do not chew or break the tablets, and do not open the capsules. Most people find it helps to swallow the tablet/capsule with a drink of water.

• Take your doses with food, such as with a snack or at a mealtime. This is because the food in your stomach will help to protect from side effects such as indigestion and stomach irritation.

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

• Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce side effects.

• If you need to take etodolac over a long period of time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by etodolac. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Long-term use of some anti-inflammatory painkillers can slightly increase the risk of heart or blood vessel problems. Do not take more than prescribed.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Do not take etodolac with other anti-inflammatory painkillers, including some over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.

• Om du ska genomgå en operation eller tandbehandling, informera den som utför behandlingen om vilka mediciner du tar.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How long does it take for etodolac to work?

Etodolac usually starts to reduce pain and inflammation within 1-2 hours of taking it. If you are using it regularly for conditions such as arthritis, it may take a few days to feel the full benefit.

Can you drink alcohol with etodolac?

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking etodolac. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation, indigestion, or bleeding, especially if you take etodolac regularly or at higher doses.

Is it safe to take etodolac during pregnancy?

Etodolac is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may harm the unborn baby. Always let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

How is etodolac different to ibuprofen?

Etodolac and ibuprofen are both anti-inflammatory painkillers, but etodolac is commonly used for long-term conditions such as arthritis, whereas ibuprofen is often used for short-term pain.