Generic name: ketoprofen [ kee-toe-PROE-fen ]
Brand names: Orudis, Oruvail, Actron, Orudis KT, Kiprofen
Dosage forms: oral capsule (25 mg; 50 mg), oral capsule, extended release (200 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ketoprofen?

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat signs and symptoms caused by certain types of arthritis and for short-term pain relief.

Ketoprofen immediate-release capsule can also be used to treat menstrual pain.

Ketoprofen extended-release capsule is only used for treating arthritis. This brand 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 (hives, difficult 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).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

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, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

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

• diarrhea, gas, heartburn, flu-like symptoms;

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Ketoprofen may also worsen asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Older adults may be more likely to have serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of ketoprofen may include:

• heartburn, stomach pain, gas, nausea;

• headache, kidney problems;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• insomnia, nervousness.

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. 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. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

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

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• fluid retention; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Do not use ketoprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

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

How should I take ketoprofen?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition. Do not use ketoprofen more often than prescribed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

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

You may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You may need medical tests to check your heart and kidney function. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

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

Related/similar drugs

Cimzia, Humira, acetaminophen, gabapentin, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, duloxetine, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take 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.

What should I avoid while taking ketoprofen?

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

Avoid smoking and 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.

Ketoprofen can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aspirin;

• probenecid;

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• medicine used to prevent blood clots--alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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