About ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is an entzündungshemmendem Schmerzmittel that eases pain and swelling (inflammation) in conditions like Arthritis, Verstauchungen und Zerrungen, and Gicht, and it may also be used as pain relief for period (menstrual) pain, 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 Ketoprofen-Gel zur Schmerzlinderung.

Common side effects of ketoprofen are:

• Verdauungsstörungen.

• Sodbrennen.

• Bauch (abdominale) Beschwerden.

• Sich krank fühlen (Übelkeit) oder krank sein (Erbrechen).

• Verstopfung.

• Durchfall.

• Wind.

• Kopfschmerzen.

• Schwindelig oder schläfrig.

• Itchy rash.

• Swollen feet.

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

Die unerwünschten Wirkungen bessern sich oft, wenn sich Ihr Körper an das neue Medikament gewöhnt, aber sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker, wenn eines der folgenden Probleme weiterhin besteht oder störend wird.

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:

• Wenn Sie Asthma oder eine andere allergische Erkrankung haben.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Morbus Crohn oder Colitis ulcerosa.

• Wenn Sie schwanger sind, versuchen, ein Baby zu bekommen, oder stillen.

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit der Funktion Ihrer Leber haben oder wenn Sie Probleme mit der Funktion Ihrer Nieren haben.

• Wenn Sie Herzprobleme oder Probleme mit Ihren Blutgefäßen oder Ihrer Durchblutung haben.

• Wenn Sie hoher Blutdruck (Hypertonie).

• Wenn Sie Blutgerinnungsprobleme haben.

• Wenn Sie Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) or high cholesterol levels.

• Wenn Sie eine Bindegewebserkrankung wie systemischer Lupus erythematodes haben. Dies ist eine entzündliche Erkrankung, die auch Lupus oder SLE genannt wird.

• Wenn Sie andere Medikamente einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Medikamente, die Sie einnehmen und die ohne Rezept erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Medikamente.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and Indometacin), or to any other medicine.

• 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. Do not take two doses 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.

• Bewahren Sie alle Medikamente außerhalb der Reichweite und Sicht von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, fern von direkter Hitze und Licht.

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.