About ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller that eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions like arthritis, sprains and strains, and gikt, and it may also be used as pain relief for period (menstrual) pain, and after surgical operations.

Ketoprofen works by blocking the effect of natural chemicals called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals, called prostaglandins, in the body.

Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

What is ketoprofen available as?

Ketoprofen is also available as a gel which can be applied directly to your skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain. There is more information about this in a separate leaflet called Ketoprofen gel for pain relief.

Common side effects of ketoprofen are:

• Indigestion.

• Heartburn.

• Tummy (abdominal) discomfort.

• Känna sig illamående (nausea) eller vara sjuk (kräkningar).

• Förstoppning.

• Diarré.

• Wind.

• Headache.

• Feeling dizzy or sleepy.

• Itchy rash.

• Swollen feet.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking ketoprofen, it is important that your doctor knows:

• Om du har astma eller någon annan allergisk sjukdom.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohns sjukdom or ulcerös kolit.

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

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

• If you have a heart condition or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have any blood clotting problems.

• If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus) or high cholesterol levels.

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

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

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

• Before starting ketoprofen, read the patient information leaflet inside the pack. It explains how the capsules work and lists possible side effects.

• Take ketoprofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged-release capsules are taken once a day and come in 100 mg or 200 mg strengths.

• Take the capsule with food or just after a meal. Swallow it whole and do not chew or open it.

• Try to take your dose at the same time each day to help you remember.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time.

• Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to reduce side effects. If you need long-term treatment, you may also be given medicine to protect your stomach.

• Keep regular appointments with your doctor so they can check your progress, especially if you are taking ketoprofen long term.

• If you are taking ketoprofen for gout and your symptoms have not improved after seven days, contact your doctor.

• If you have asthma, ketoprofen can sometimes worsen breathing symptoms. Stop taking it and see your doctor if this happens.

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

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines, including cold and flu remedies, as some contain anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• Tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon about all the medicines you are taking before any treatment or operation.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

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

How long does ketoprofen take to work?

Ketoprofen typically starts to relieve pain and inflammation within 1-2 hours of taking it. For some conditions, it may take a few days to feel the full effects, especially with long-term use.

Is it safe to take ketoprofen during pregnancy?

Ketoprofen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it may harm the baby. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.

Can I drink alcohol with ketoprofen?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking ketoprofen, as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding. Drinking alcohol may also make side effects like dizziness more likely.

Is ketoprofen the same as ibuprofen?

No, ketoprofen and ibuprofen are not the same, although they are both anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ketoprofen is generally considered stronger, which means it may be more effective but can also cause more side effects.