Tolmetin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 8, 2024.

Applies to tolmetin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

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 may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This problem can happen without warning signs. 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 of age, are in poor health, or are using certain other medicines (such as steroids or a blood thinner).

Serious skin reactions can occur during treatment with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, itching, joint or muscle pain, red skin lesions, sore throat, sores, ulcers, white spots in the mouth or on the lips, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Possible warning signs of some serious side effects that can occur during treatment with this medicine may include swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs; severe stomach pain; black, tarry stools; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual weight gain; yellow skin or eyes; decreased urination; unusual bleeding or bruising; or skin rash. Also, signs of serious heart problems could occur such as chest pain, tightness in the chest, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual flushing or warmth of the skin, weakness, or slurring of speech. Stop taking tolmetin and check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.

This medicine may also cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Although this is rare, it may occur more often in patients who are allergic to aspirin or to any of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, wheezing, or fainting. Other signs may include changes in color of the skin of the face; very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse; hive-like swellings on the skin; and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these effects occur, get emergency help at once.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after your treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Before having any kind of surgery or medical tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. It may be necessary for you to stop treatment for a while, or to change to a different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug before your procedure.

Tell your doctor if you have unexplained weight gain or edema (fluid retention or body swelling) with this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of tolmetin

Along with its needed effects, tolmetin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tolmetin:

Other side effects of tolmetin

Some side effects of tolmetin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tolmetin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effect was nausea.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, liver function abnormalities^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, drowsiness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased
• Frequency not reported: Lymphadenopathy, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): BUN increased
• Frequency not reported: Renal failure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, purpura, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blood pressure increased
• Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, gastrointestinal (GI) distress, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, constipation, gastritis, peptic ulcer
• Frequency not reported: GI bleeding, GI perforation, glossitis, stomatitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Frequency not reported: Hematuria, proteinuria, dysuria^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Serum sickness

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Optic neuropathy, retinal/macular changes^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chest pain, edema, weight gain, weight loss, tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Fever^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Epistaxis^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Tolmetin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer