About ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is an analgésico antiinflamatorio that eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions like artritis, esguinces y distensiones, y gota, and it may also be used as pain relief for dolor menstrual, and after surgical operations.

Ketoprofen works by blocking the effect of natural chemicals called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals, called prostaglandins, in the body.

Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

What is ketoprofen available as?

Ketoprofen is also available as a gel which can be applied directly to your skin to help relieve muscle and joint pain. There is more information about this in a separate leaflet called Gel de ketoprofeno para aliviar el dolor.

Common side effects of ketoprofen are:

• Indigestión.

• Acidez estomacal.

• Tummy (abdominal) discomfort.

• Sentirse mal (náuseas) o estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Estreñimiento.

• Diarrea.

• Wind.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Feeling dizzy or sleepy.

• Erupción cutánea con picazón.

• Swollen feet.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking ketoprofen, it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si tienes asma u otro trastorno alérgico.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as enfermedad de Crohn o colitis ulcerosa.

• Si estás embarazada, intentando concebir o amamantando.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado, o si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

• Si tienes una afección cardíaca o un problema con tus vasos sanguíneos o circulación.

• If you have presión arterial alta (hipertensión).

• If you have any blood clotting problems.

• If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus) or high cholesterol levels.

• Si tienes un trastorno del tejido conectivo como el lupus eritematoso sistémico. Esta es una condición inflamatoria que también se llama lupus o LES.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirina, ibuprofeno, diclofenaco, y indometacina), o a cualquier otro medicamento.

• Before starting ketoprofen, read the patient information leaflet inside the pack. It explains how the capsules work and lists possible side effects.

• Take ketoprofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged-release capsules are taken once a day and come in 100 mg or 200 mg strengths.

• Take the capsule with food or just after a meal. Swallow it whole and do not chew or open it.

• Try to take your dose at the same time each day to help you remember.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is the next day. No tome dos dosis at the same time.

• Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to reduce side effects. If you need long-term treatment, you may also be given medicine to protect your stomach.

• Keep regular appointments with your doctor so they can check your progress, especially if you are taking ketoprofen long term.

• If you are taking ketoprofen for gout and your symptoms have not improved after seven days, contact your doctor.

• If you have asthma, ketoprofen can sometimes worsen breathing symptoms. Stop taking it and see your doctor if this happens.

• Long-term use of some anti-inflammatory painkillers can slightly increase the risk of heart and circulation problems. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines, including cold and flu remedies, as some contain anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• Tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon about all the medicines you are taking before any treatment or operation.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

How long does ketoprofen take to work?

Ketoprofen typically starts to relieve pain and inflammation within 1-2 hours of taking it. For some conditions, it may take a few days to feel the full effects, especially with long-term use.

Is it safe to take ketoprofen during pregnancy?

Ketoprofen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it may harm the baby. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.

Can I drink alcohol with ketoprofen?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking ketoprofen, as it can increase the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding. Drinking alcohol may also make side effects like dizziness more likely.

Is ketoprofen the same as ibuprofen?

No, ketoprofen and ibuprofen are not the same, although they are both anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ketoprofen is generally considered stronger, which means it may be more effective but can also cause more side effects.