Fenoprofen (By mouth)

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other names are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®). Tell your doctor if you are using lithium (Eskalith®), methotrexate (Trexall®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®), or a blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Atacand®, Hyzaar®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using phenobarbital, medicine to treat an infection or a "sulfa" drug (such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®), or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glyburide, Glucotrol®, or Glucovance®).

Introduction

Fenoprofen (fen-oh-PROE-fen)

Treats pain, including pain caused by arthritis. This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s)

Nalfon

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to fenoprofen or other NSAID medicines such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®. Do not use this medicine right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery. Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, so it does not upset your stomach.
• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
• Most people will start to feel less pain right away, but you might need up to three weeks before you get the full effect of this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, eye or vision problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart or circulation problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems.
• This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.
• This medicine might cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner).
• Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or if you have ever had kidney problems caused by an NSAID medicine.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry or stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, fever, or muscle pain.
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Skin rash or blisters with fever.
• Sudden or severe headache.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, gas, or stomach pain.
• Mild rash or itching skin.
• Ringing in your ears.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088