Relafen

Drug Uses
 

Relafen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is used in the treatment of inflammation (swelling, stiffness, and joint pain) caused due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

How it is taken

Relafen must be taken with a full glass of water with a meal to avoid an upset stomach. You may also take it exactly as directed by your physician.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Relafen then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

A Relafen overdose may lead to serious side effects like decreased urination, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, severe nausea or stomach pain, slow or troubled breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
 

Warnings/Precautions
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, spirin or other NSAID, if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers), H. pylori infection, of fluid buildup, swelling, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation, if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, have poor health, dehydration or low fluid volume, or low blood sodium levels, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have recently had heart surgery.

Do not take any other NSAID drug without first consulting your doctor.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Relafen and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Relafen is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Relafen is known to cause ulcers or stomach bleeding in some patients. Smoking or drinking alcohol increases the chances of this happening. It may lead to symptoms like severe stomach or back pain, black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds, or unusual weight gain or swelling. Report to the doctor immediately if you spot any symptoms of this.

Certain drugs can interact with Relafen and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Relafen should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Relafen before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Relafen may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests or doctor appointments.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Possible Side Effects
 

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, stomach upset. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody or black, tarry stools, change in the amount of urine produced, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, depression, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, mental or mood changes, numbness of an arm or leg, one–sided weakness, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea, severe vomiting, shortness of breath, sudden or unexplained weight gain, swelling of hands, legs, or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual joint or muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision or speech changes, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.