uses
What is fenoprofen used for?Fenoprofen is commonly used for the following conditionsPainOsteoarthritis, a condition that causes inflammation in the joints when cartilage (a type of tissue) breaks downRheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where your body attacks your jointsFenoprofen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does fenoprofen work (mechanism of action)?Fenoprofen works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.How is fenoprofen supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesNalfonDosage forms and strengths200 mg oral capsules300 mg oral capsules400 mg oral capsulesHow should I store fenoprofen?Fenoprofen should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
capsule that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does fenoprofen interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between fenoprofen and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fenoprofen, but both fenoprofen and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.Does fenoprofen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking fenoprofen.A blood thinner, such as warfarin, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clotsAn antiplatelet medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), aspirin/dipyridamole, or cilostazol, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clotsAspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverA selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depressionA serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depressionAspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverAn angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problemsAn angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditionsA beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressureA diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureDigoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureLithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditionsMethotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancerCyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune systemA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac, indomethacin, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and feverA salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritisPemetrexed (Alimta, Pemfexy), which is a medicine to treat certain cancersPhenobarbital or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizuresA sulfonamide antibiotic, such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections A sulfonylurea, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride, which is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetesThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with fenoprofen. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of fenoprofen?The most common side effects of fenoprofen are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Upset stomachHeadacheDrowsinessNauseaDizzinessConstipationNervousnessFeeling unusually weak or tiredFluid retentionThere may be other side effects of fenoprofen that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of fenoprofen?While less common, the most serious side effects of fenoprofen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Fenoprofen can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDark colored urineYour skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Heart Attack and Stroke. Fenoprofen can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of fenoprofen and higher doses. Do not take fenoprofen if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechStomach Bleeding. Fenoprofen can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of fenoprofen or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are of older age, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking fenoprofen and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.Vomit bloodBlack or tarry poopStomach pain that does not go awayUpset stomachFeel faintLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking fenoprofen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Fenoprofen may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.Sudden severe headacheChest painDizziness or confusionTrouble breathingNausea or vomitingBlurry or other changes to visionAnxietyBuzzing in the earsNosebleedFeeling of skipped heartbeatsFluid Retention (Edema) and Heart Failure. Fenoprofen can cause fluid retention, also called edema which can lead to heart failure. Fluid retention can also cause serious issues in people with heart failure. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. Chest painIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathStretched or shiny skinSwollen body parts, such as the belly or anklesUnusually fast weight gainUnusual tirednessKidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking fenoprofen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.Reduced need to peeSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessDifficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressureConfusionNauseaSeizuresHigh Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Fenoprofen can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level. Muscle weakness or unusual tirednessSlow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats Nausea or vomitingTrouble breathingAbnormal heart rhythmSevere Skin Reactions. Fenoprofen can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop fenoprofen and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesAnemia. Fenoprofen may cause anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.Unusual weakness or tirednessCold hands and feetFast or abnormal heartbeatPale or yellowish skin Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outShortness of breathEye Problems. Fenoprofen may cause eye problems. Call your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your vision.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much fenoprofen?If you or someone else has used too much fenoprofen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of fenoprofen?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use fenoprofen?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take fenoprofen.FenoprofenNalfonAspirin or any other medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fenoprofen products they stock.Heart Surgery. Do not take fenoprofen right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking fenoprofen during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.What should I know about fenoprofen before using it?People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from fenoprofen. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Do not take fenoprofen unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share fenoprofen with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep fenoprofen out of the reach of children.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fenoprofen?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fenoprofen is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Liver or kidney problemsHigh blood pressureAsthmaHeart conditions including heart failure or a recent heart attackAnemiaHearing problemsHigh potassium levelsIn particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Fenoprofen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking fenoprofen, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Do not take fenoprofen 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking fenoprofen during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fenoprofen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Fenoprofen passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fenoprofen while breastfeeding.
about
Fenoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is a medicine that is used to help treat pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Fenoprofen works to block a specific substance in the body that causes pain, inflammation, and fever. Common side effects include upset stomach, headache, drowsiness, and nausea. Before taking fenoprofen, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions or medications you are taking.