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Ketoprofen

Generic name: ketoprofen [ kee-toe-PROE-fen ]
Brand names: Orudis, Oruvail, Actron, Orudis KT
Dosage forms: oral capsule (50 mg), oral capsule, extended release (200 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ketoprofen?

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis.

The ketoprofen regular capsule is also used to treat mild to moderate pain, or menstrual pain.

Only ketoprofen extended-release capsules are used for treating arthritis. This form of ketoprofen will not work fast enough to treat acute (immediate) pain.

Ketoprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ketoprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Ketoprofen may cause serious side effects. Stop using ketoprofen and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of ketoprofen may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ketoprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use ketoprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ketoprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Ketoprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ketoprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ketoprofen, especially in older adults.

You should not use ketoprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

If you are pregnant, you should not take ketoprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Ketoprofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take ketoprofen?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Ketoprofen may be taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you use ketoprofen long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ketoprofen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking ketoprofen?

Do not take ketoprofen regular capsules and extended-release capsules at the same time.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to ketoprofen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect ketoprofen?

Ask your doctor before using ketoprofen if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using ketoprofen with any other medications, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ketoprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.