Indocin

Indocin

     * Generic Name: indomethacin
     * Brand Name: Indocin


     * What is indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What are the possible side effects of indomethacin (Indocin,
       Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * How should I take indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What should I avoid while taking indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin
       SR, Tivorbex)?
     * What other drugs will affect indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR,
       Tivorbex)?
     * Where can I get more information (Indocin, Indocin SR,
       Tivorbex)?

What is indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
   Indomethacin works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and
   pain in the body.

   Indomethacin is used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis,
   rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing
   spondylitis. Indomethacin is also used to treat shoulder pain
   caused by bursitis or tendinitis.

   Extended-release indomethacin (Indocin SR) should not be used to treat
   gouty arthritis.

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

What are the possible side effects of indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR,
Tivorbex)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   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.

   Stop using indomethacin and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * changes in your vision;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * upset stomach, nausea, vomiting;
     * diarrhea, constipation;
     * headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
     * feeling tired or depressed; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about indomethacin
(Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Indomethacin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

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

   Indocin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking indomethacin
(Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Indomethacin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

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

   You should not use indomethacin 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.

   To make sure indomethacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * liver or kidney disease; or
     * fluid retention.

   Taking indomethacin during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the
   unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant while using indomethacin.

   Indomethacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Indomethacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years
   old.

How should I take indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the
   lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

   Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow
   it whole.

   If you take indomethacin for a long period of time, your doctor may
   want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medicine is not
   causing harmful effects.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
   liquid medicine to freeze.

   Indocin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, severe
   headache, dizziness, confusion, numbness, tingling, or seizure
   (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR,
Tivorbex)?

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

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking indomethacin.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain
   medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or
   other medicines similar to indomethacin. Taking certain products
   together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication.
   Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen,
   ketoprofen, or naproxen.

What other drugs will affect indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Ask your doctor before using indomethacin if you take an antidepressant
   such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac),
   fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use indomethacin if
   you are also using any of the following drugs:
     * cyclosporine;
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * probenecid;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or
       "water pill"; or
     * steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with indomethacin,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about indomethacin.
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