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Azapropazone

Azapropazone is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Take azapropazone with a meal or just after eating some food.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems such as stomach ulcers.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

About azapropazone

Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for Arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout attacks where other treatments have not helped
Also called Rheumox
Available as Capsules

Azapropazone belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen, and diclofenac. There are several others as well.

Azapropazone can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout when alternative treatments have failed.

Azapropazone works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain and inflammation. By stopping the production of prostaglandins, azapropazone reduces pain, swelling and inflammation.

Before taking azapropazone

Before taking azapropazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer. If you suffer from liver or kidney problems. If you suffer from asthma or any other allergic disorder. If you suffer from a blood disorder or blood clotting problems. If you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If you have a heart condition. If you have cerebrovascular disease (a disorder of the blood vessels to the brain). If you have peripheral vascular disease (blood circulation problems). If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder). If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and indometacin) or any other medicine. If you are under 12 years of age or elderly. If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take azapropazone

Take azapropazone exactly as your doctor has told you. Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Take azapropazone capsules with a meal or just after eating some food. Try to take azapropazone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you experience indigestion after taking azapropazone, try taking the next dose with a glass of milk. Azapropazone is likely to cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Do not use sunbeds and avoid direct sunlight or use a sun cream with a sun protection factor higher than SPF 15. Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with azapropazone.

Can azapropazone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids
Indigestion, stomach discomfort, wind Take your dose after a meal with a glass of milk. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Less common side-effects are: headache, dizziness, nervousness, low mood, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, and ringing noises in the ears If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: If you experience any shortness of breath, skin rash or swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store azapropazone

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London. Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID:3316 DocRef: dils2267 Last Updated: 20 Oct 2008 Date of Next Review:20 Oct 2010 Version:22

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor