What is Ardosons called in the U.S?

Ardosons is a medicine reported as being from Mexico that may contain 25 mg of indomethacin (in Spanish called "indometacina"), 0.75 mg of betamethasone ("betametasona") and 215 mg of methocarbamol ("metocarbamol") per capsule. There is no FDA-approved oral combination product in the U.S. that is equivalent to Ardosons.

While it may be a tempting to buy medicines from foreign countries or from online websites, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that the safety and effectiveness of imported drugs have not been reviewed by the FDA and their identity and potency can't be assured.

You might receive the wrong drug, the wrong strength, or even outdated, expired medications when purchased over the Internet. It is always best to buy drugs from reliable U.S. pharmacies that carry FDA-approved medications. Also, it may be illegal to bring foreign medicines over the border into the U.S.

Related: The Dangers of Fake Drugs: Top 10 Safety Facts

What drugs are in Ardosons?

Three different oral medications are reported as being in Ardosons, although the actual contents of foreign drugs cannot be guaranteed: indomethacin, betamethasone, and methocarbamol. These medicines are used together in one capsule to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other types of pain. Ardosons is listed as being available in a package of 20 capsules.

• Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used for pain and inflammation. In the U.S., it is available in a capsule form, as well as an oral solution and as an injection.
• Betamethasone is a corticosteroid agent that can reduce pain and swelling. In the U.S., an oral formulation of betamethasone is not available. It primarily exists as topical creams, lotions, foams and ointments used for topical skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. It is also available as an injection.
• Methocarbamol is considered a muscle relaxant often used for painful muscle spasms. In the U.S., it is available as an oral tablet or as an injection.

Are there any drug interactions?

• Using betamethasone together with indomethacin may increase the risk of stomach or intestinal side effects such as inflammation (swelling and pain), bleeding, ulcers, and rarely, perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine that is a medical emergency and could cause death).
• You should take these medications with food. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Immediately get medical help if you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, or have other signs and symptoms of bleeding such as dizziness, lightheadedness, red or black, tarry stools, coughing up or vomiting fresh or dried blood that looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, and weakness.
• Avoid use of alcohol with all of these medicines as that may also increase the risk for dizziness, sedation or other nervous system side effects. In addition, combining alcohol with indomethacin or betamethasone may further increase the risk for stomach or intestinal side effects like bleeding or perforation.

Learn more: Drugs.com Drug Interaction Checker

This is not all the information you need to know for safe and effective use of these medicines and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.