Dexibuprofen tablets for pain and inflammation

About dexibuprofen

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like dexibuprofen are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or sometimes just 'anti-inflammatories'. Dexibuprofen is prescribed to treat painful conditions such as arthritis, sprains and strains, period (menstrual) pain, and dental pain.

Dexibuprofen works by blocking the effect of natural substances in your body, called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. 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.

Before taking dexibuprofen

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 dexibuprofen, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and indometacin), or to any other medicine.

• If you have ever had a problem with bleeding from the stomach or intestines, such as from a peptic or duodenal ulcer.

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.

• If you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have a connective tissue disorder such as systemic lupus erythematosus. This is an inflammatory condition which is also called lupus or SLE.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take dexibuprofen

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about dexibuprofen, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• You will be prescribed one 300 mg tablet to take either two or three times daily. Your doctor will tell you which is the right dose for you. Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to.

• Take dexibuprofen with food; during a mealtime is ideal. This will help to protect your stomach from side-effects such as indigestion and stomach irritation. Most people find it helps to swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case take the next dose when it is due and leave out the forgotten dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time in order to reduce the risk of side-effects. If you need to take dexibuprofen for a long time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.

• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress, and is especially important if you are taking dexibuprofen for a long-term condition.

• If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories such as dexibuprofen. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.

• There is known to be a small increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems in people taking some anti-inflammatory painkillers long-term. Your doctor will explain this to you and will prescribe the lowest suitable dose for the shortest time in order to reduce the risk. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an anti-inflammatory like dexibuprofen. This is because you should not take these tablets with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought 'over the counter'.

• If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can dexibuprofen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dexibuprofen. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you experience any of the following less common but possibly serious symptoms, stop taking dexibuprofen and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

• If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.

• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or a severe itchy skin rash.

• If you pass blood or black stools, bring up blood, or have severe tummy (abdominal) pains.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store dexibuprofen

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines