Indomethacin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Got...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2015

For Gout, Acute "First time ever having gout, 47-year-old male in decent shape, don't eat a lot of red meat and barely touch alcohol. Spent three weeks in increasingly excruciating pain. Made the mistake of having a glass of wine one night, which sent me into two 30-45 minute pain cycles that my wife said looked like labor-biting on towels, praying, asking her to tell me stories, anything to get my mind off the pain. Had been on colchicine, which did nothing except give me stomach cramps and diarrhea. Couldn't take ibuprofen for fear of shredding my stomach even worse. Finally went to a different doctor, who prescribed indomethacin. Miracle drug. Started working within hours. Three days later, can wear shoes and walk almost without limping. Amazing!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

For Gout, Acute "I took it, and after 3 hrs, a bad stomach ache (side effect), and then I began to feel relief. I slept through the night and woke up with slight pain, but I could walk. Just took the second pill this morning. This is working so far, my pain went from a 10 to a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Not kidding or making this up. It's giving me excellent relief so far."

• Fru...
• December 4, 2009

For Gout, Acute "Two years ago, I had my first bout with gout in my right foot. Last week, to my surprise, I had gout in my right wrist. This medicine relieved the swelling in 2 days, but I had severe runs with it and an upset stomach."

• Fre...
• July 26, 2017

For Gout, Acute "Having suffered gout a couple of times a year, indomethacin was my drug of choice, combined with omeprazole to protect the stomach. Although it did often make me drowsy and slightly upset my stomach, the pain relief was quick and inflammation would ease quickly. BUT... always continue to take the prescribed dose until the flare-up has completely cleared. This time I didn't, and it came back with a vengeance, to the point indo had no effect. Now on colchicine instead, which, after 24 hours, has had no effect and does not relieve pain, so I am in agony (GP never thought of that!). Praying this new drug begins to work soon - two nights without sleep... keep taking the indomethacin until everything has gone... Am starting anapurinol ASAP."

• Luc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 14, 2018

For Gout, Acute "I've had gout about twice a year for 40 years. Before I got Indocin, I was in so much pain I had to crawl to the bathroom. Two Indocin at the beginning of an attack prevents the attack. The swelling goes down to zero, and I can walk without pain a few hours later. If I let it go and try to fix it after my foot is swelled up and I can no longer walk, it will take about two days to fix by taking Indocin twice a day. It's a real miracle medicine. To me, it's about 500 times better than ibuprofen, but it does cause stomach problems, so I also take a Prilosec with it, and I'm good to go."

• cal...
• December 3, 2017

For Gout, Acute "This works so fast, it's such a relief. In the UK, Drs are so reluctant to supply because of stomach problems. But who wants to take colchicine and wait 4-5 days for relief? When taken every couple of hours with a small amount of food, indomethacin will give relief in 12 hours. Time on medication below is ridiculous."

• Ind...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2022

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "At age 46, out of nowhere, I started to have increased pain, movement limitations, numbness, weakness, and was diagnosed with a spinal condition which I was told needed spinal surgery. Because everything was new to me, I decided to buy back time and try something else other than surgery. Indomethacin has helped my spinal condition (C4-5, C6-7) over other drugs and treatments like Lyrica, etc. I couldn’t move much for about 8 months, until I started to take this medication. Side effects like drowsiness felt only during the first few (2-3) days, headaches a few times, in order to avoid an upset stomach, I make sure I have something in my stomach, and now after epidural treatments, I only take it as needed. It works marvelously for me, not only helps with my spinal pain, but with elbow and knee pain. I call this medication my green pill, not only because of the manufacturer color but because it’s a cheap way to treat my condition without the need of using any other stronger meds. Good luck."

• tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2013

For Bursitis "I was diagnosed with bursitis 2 days ago. I have never heard of this medication until then. All I can say is I am so impressed by this medication. My pain has diminished greatly! I did get the lightheadedness and a little of an upset stomach, but that is all. I definitely would recommend it to anyone. I was thrown off by the side effects at first, but I'm very glad I gave this medicine a chance. Just remember to eat with it. It was very cheap too. I have Vicodin along with it."

• Anonymous
• July 13, 2010

For Gout, Acute "Took indomethacin, and in about 1 1/2 days, pain has gone down tremendously, first time with gout. But had the runs and stomach cramps."