Orudis Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Orudis Capsule (ketoprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to manage pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as menstrual pain. It works by blocking substances in the body called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The brand name Orudis is no longer available in the U.S.; it is available in its generic form, ketoprofen.

What is Orudis Capsule

Orudis is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual pain. The brand name Orudis is no longer available in the U.S.; it is available in its generic form, ketoprofen.

Orudis Capsule uses

• Management of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Management of pain
• Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

Benefits of Orudis Capsule

• Reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis
• Relieves mild-to-moderate pain
• Relieves menstrual cramps

How Orudis Capsule works

Ketoprofen reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking substances in the body called prostaglandins and leukotrienes, though its full mechanism is not completely understood.

Orudis Capsule dosage

This medicine may be taken with antacids, food, or milk to help prevent stomach upset. Food and milk slow down how quickly the medicine is absorbed but do not change the total amount absorbed. Smaller starting doses should be used in small individuals, or in debilitated or elderly patients, or in patients with kidney or liver disease. People over 75 years of age should generally start with a reduced dose. This medicine should not be taken together with the extended-release form (Oruvail) at the same time.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule

Side effects of Orudis Capsule

Common

• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Skin itching or rash
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Runny nose
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in your ears

Serious

• Allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Chest pain
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Urinating less than usual or not at all
• Confusion
• Depression
• Fever
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack or stroke
• Serious stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcers, or perforation
• Liver problems including liver failure
• Kidney problems including kidney failure
• Life-threatening skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions

Warnings and precautions

• NSAIDs like this medicine can increase the risk of a serious, possibly fatal heart attack or stroke. This risk can increase the longer you use it, and is higher in people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.
• This medicine should never be used for pain right before or after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) heart surgery.
• NSAIDs can cause serious stomach and intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, and holes (perforation), which can be fatal. These can happen at any time, with or without warning signs, and elderly patients are at greater risk.
• Do not take this medicine if you have had asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, since severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions have occurred in such patients.
• This medicine can cause serious, potentially fatal skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Stop taking it right away if a rash or any sign of allergic reaction develops.
• This medicine can cause new high blood pressure or make existing high blood pressure worse, and can cause fluid retention and swelling, which may worsen heart failure.
• Long-term use can cause kidney damage, especially in people with existing kidney problems, heart failure, liver problems, the elderly, or those taking certain other medicines like diuretics.
• Do not take aspirin while taking this medicine, as it can increase the level of active drug in your blood and raise the risk of side effects.
• Avoid using this medicine late in pregnancy because it can cause the baby's heart blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) to close too early. Using it from about 20 weeks of pregnancy onward may also harm the baby's kidneys. Use early in pregnancy only if your doctor says the benefits outweigh the risks.
• It is not known whether this drug passes into human breast milk. Because other similar drugs do pass into milk, ketoprofen is not recommended for use by nursing mothers.
• People with significant kidney problems should be monitored closely, and a lower dose should be expected to avoid buildup of the drug in the body. The medicine is not recommended for people with advanced kidney disease.
• People with liver disease and low blood protein (albumin) levels should be closely monitored and may need a lower starting dose, since more of the active drug remains in their blood.
• Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine increases the risk of serious stomach bleeding and ulcers.

Storage

• Keep tightly closed
• Store at room temperature, approximately 25°C (77°F)
• Dispense in a tight container

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, or swelling of the face or throat.
• Stop taking this medicine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, unusual weight gain, rash or blisters with fever, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Seek immediate emergency help if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
• If you take too much of this medicine, get medical help right away.

Alternatives

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac