Advil side effects long term. Advil Side Effects: Understanding Common, Severe, and Long-Term Risks
What are the common side effects of Advil. How can severe side effects of ibuprofen be avoided. What are the long-term risks associated with prolonged Advil use. How does ibuprofen affect the body’s prostaglandin production. When should you consult a doctor about Advil side effects.
What Is Advil and How Does It Work?
Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for pain relief and fever reduction. Ibuprofen works by temporarily reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances released in response to injury that contribute to inflammation, swelling, fever, and increased pain sensitivity.
This medication is commonly used to alleviate various minor aches and pains, including:
- Headaches
- Toothaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Backaches
- Muscle aches
While Advil is generally considered safe when used as directed, it’s crucial to understand that, like any medication, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe.
Common Side Effects of Advil: What to Expect
Many people who take Advil experience no side effects or only mild ones. However, it’s essential to be aware of the more common adverse reactions that may occur. These include:
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Are these side effects always severe? Typically, these effects are mild and can often be mitigated by taking ibuprofen with food or milk. However, if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
Severe Side Effects: When to Be Concerned
While less common, Advil can potentially cause more serious side effects, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods. These severe side effects may include:
Cardiovascular Risks
Can Advil increase the risk of heart attack or stroke? While rare for most people, prolonged use of ibuprofen or taking high doses can potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular events. This risk is higher for individuals who:
- Have existing risk factors for heart attack or stroke
- Suffer from clotting disorders
- Take other medications that affect blood clotting
Kidney Function Impairment
How does ibuprofen affect kidney function? By altering prostaglandin production, Advil can potentially impact kidney function, leading to symptoms such as:
- Increased blood pressure
- Fluid buildup
- Dehydration
- Decreased urination frequency
- Dizziness
Who is at higher risk for kidney-related side effects? Older adults, individuals with existing kidney disease, and those taking blood pressure medications may be more susceptible to these effects.
Gastrointestinal Damage
Can Advil cause stomach ulcers or bleeding? Yes, although rare, prolonged use of ibuprofen can potentially lead to stomach damage, including bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Factors that increase this risk include:
- A history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Advanced age
- Use of oral steroids or anticoagulants
- Smoking
- Regular alcohol consumption (more than three drinks per day)
Long-Term Effects of Advil Use: What You Need to Know
While Advil is generally safe for short-term use, prolonged or excessive use can lead to various health concerns. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for those who rely on ibuprofen for chronic pain management.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Does long-term Advil use affect kidney health? Regular, long-term use of ibuprofen may contribute to chronic kidney disease, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney issues or those taking other medications that affect kidney function.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk
How does prolonged ibuprofen use impact heart health? Studies suggest that extended use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly in individuals with existing cardiovascular risk factors.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Can long-term Advil use lead to stomach problems? Chronic use of ibuprofen can potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and other digestive issues, especially in older adults or those with a history of stomach problems.
Minimizing Advil Side Effects: Best Practices
To reduce the risk of experiencing side effects from Advil, consider the following best practices:
- Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
- Use Advil with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking ibuprofen
- Stay hydrated to support kidney function
- Consult your healthcare provider before long-term use, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions
Alternatives to Advil: Exploring Other Pain Relief Options
For those concerned about Advil side effects or looking for alternatives, several options are available:
Over-the-Counter Alternatives
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for pain and fever, but works differently than NSAIDs
- Topical pain relievers: Creams, gels, or patches containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin
- Naproxen (Aleve): Another NSAID with a different chemical structure
Natural Pain Relief Methods
- Hot or cold therapy
- Gentle exercise and stretching
- Meditation and relaxation techniques
- Acupuncture or massage therapy
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before switching pain management strategies, especially for chronic conditions.
When to Consult a Doctor About Advil Use
While Advil is generally safe for most people when used as directed, certain situations warrant medical attention:
- Experiencing severe stomach pain or noticing blood in your stool
- Developing signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
- Noticing changes in urination patterns or unexplained weight gain
- Experiencing unusual bleeding or bruising
- Developing vision changes or ringing in the ears
Additionally, consult your healthcare provider before using Advil if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders
- Take blood thinners or other medications that may interact with ibuprofen
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Are over 60 years old
Understanding Ibuprofen Interactions: Medications to Avoid
Ibuprofen can interact with various medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of either drug. Some medications to be cautious about when taking Advil include:
Blood Pressure Medications
How do NSAIDs affect blood pressure drugs? Ibuprofen may reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, including:
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs
Can Advil increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners? Yes, combining ibuprofen with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin can potentially increase the risk of bleeding.
Other NSAIDs
Is it safe to combine different NSAIDs? Generally, it’s not recommended to take multiple NSAIDs simultaneously as this can increase the risk of side effects without providing additional pain relief.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
How do SSRIs interact with ibuprofen? Taking SSRIs, commonly used to treat depression, alongside ibuprofen may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking to avoid potential interactions with Advil.
Advil and Specific Populations: Special Considerations
While Advil is generally safe for most adults, certain groups may need to exercise extra caution or avoid ibuprofen altogether:
Older Adults
Why should older adults be cautious with Advil use? As we age, the risk of side effects from NSAIDs increases. Older adults may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular risks associated with ibuprofen use.
Pregnant Women
Is Advil safe during pregnancy? Ibuprofen is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause complications for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Children
What precautions should be taken when giving Advil to children? While ibuprofen is often used to treat fever and pain in children, it’s crucial to follow age-appropriate dosing guidelines and consult a pediatrician, especially for infants and young children.
Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions
How does Advil affect those with chronic diseases? People with conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of stomach ulcers should consult their healthcare provider before using ibuprofen regularly.
By understanding these special considerations, individuals can make more informed decisions about using Advil and discuss potential alternatives with their healthcare providers when necessary.
Heartburn, Internal Bleeding & More
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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It can cause minor digestive side effects. It may cause more severe side effects if you have certain health conditions or take it with other medications.
Advil is one of the name-brand versions of ibuprofen. You may know that it relieves minor aches, pains, and fever. However, you may not know the side effects of this common drug.
Learn what these effects are and when they’re most likely to occur so that you can use this drug safely.
Ibuprofen helps lower fever. It also helps relieve minor pain from:
- headaches
- toothaches
- menstrual cramps
- backaches
- muscle aches
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.
Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects. Still, ibuprofen is a drug, and it comes with risks like any other drug.
The more common side effects of ibuprofen are:
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- nausea
- vomiting
- gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
Not everyone has these side effects. When they do occur, the effects are usually mild. Many people can prevent these side effects by taking ibuprofen with milk or food.
Serious side effects can also occur. Most of these risks are uncommon and can usually be avoided by taking ibuprofen as recommended.
However, taking too much ibuprofen or taking it for too long can make these serious side effects more likely.
For most people, the risks of heart attack and stroke are rare. However, your risks increase if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. Your risk is also higher if you:
- have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
- have a clotting disorder
- take other medications that affect how your blood clots
If you have any risk factors or take other drugs, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen.
Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain your blood pressure.
Ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins. This change can lead to an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease your kidney function and increase your blood pressure.
Symptoms of decreased kidney function include:
- increased blood pressure
- fluid buildup
- dehydration
- urinating less frequently
- dizziness
Your risk is increased if you:
- are an older adult
- have kidney disease
- take blood pressure medications
Prostaglandins also help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects you from damage from stomach acid.
Because ibuprofen decreases how much prostaglandin you make, stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines is a possible side effect.
This side effect is fairly rare. However, the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. Other factors that increase your risk include:
- a history of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- older age
- use of oral steroids or the blood thinners known as anticoagulants
- smoking
- alcohol use, specifically more than three alcoholic beverages per day
Did you know?
If you have severe stomach pain or you notice bloody or tarry stools, you may have symptoms of an ulcer. Contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.
Some people have an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, but this is also rare.
If you’ve had allergic reactions to aspirin, don’t take ibuprofen. If you start to have trouble breathing or your face or throat starts to swell, contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.
There’s a very rare risk of liver failure after taking ibuprofen. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. Stop taking ibuprofen and contact your doctor right away if you start to have any of the following symptoms:
- nausea
- tiredness
- lack of energy
- itchiness
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- pain in the upper right area of your abdomen
- flu-like symptoms
These may be signs of liver damage or liver failure.
Ibuprofen can be a safe and easy over-the-counter remedy (OTC) for minor aches and pains. However, if you don’t use it as recommended, ibuprofen can possibly be harmful.
It’s always smart to talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re not sure if you should use it. If you experience bothersome side effects or believe you may have taken too much, contact your doctor right away.
Most of the serious side effects result from taking the drug when you shouldn’t, taking too much of it, or taking it for too long. You can reduce your risk of side effects by using the smallest possible dose for shortest possible time.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Advil – ibuprofen sodium tablet, coated. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5be198b8-396e-4b44-8819-e2e3b5d2ad0e - Ibuprofen – ibuprofen tablet, film coated. (2007).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=953cee06-5c26-4f30-870a-46b9fbb66e79 - Risser A, et al. (2009). NSAID prescribing precautions.
aafp.org/afp/2009/1215/p1371.html - Ibuprofen. (2016).
medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159. html
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 8, 2019
Written By
University of Illinois-Chicago
Edited By
Heather Hobbs
Mar 7, 2019
Medically Reviewed By
Alan Carter, PharmD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019
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Heartburn, Internal Bleeding & More
15 Ibuprofen (Advil) Side Effects: Heartburn, Internal Bleeding & More
- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It can cause minor digestive side effects. It may cause more severe side effects if you have certain health conditions or take it with other medications.
Advil is one of the name-brand versions of ibuprofen. You may know that it relieves minor aches, pains, and fever. However, you may not know the side effects of this common drug.
Learn what these effects are and when they’re most likely to occur so that you can use this drug safely.
Ibuprofen helps lower fever. It also helps relieve minor pain from:
- headaches
- toothaches
- menstrual cramps
- backaches
- muscle aches
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.
Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects. Still, ibuprofen is a drug, and it comes with risks like any other drug.
The more common side effects of ibuprofen are:
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- nausea
- vomiting
- gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
Not everyone has these side effects. When they do occur, the effects are usually mild. Many people can prevent these side effects by taking ibuprofen with milk or food.
Serious side effects can also occur. Most of these risks are uncommon and can usually be avoided by taking ibuprofen as recommended.
However, taking too much ibuprofen or taking it for too long can make these serious side effects more likely.
For most people, the risks of heart attack and stroke are rare. However, your risks increase if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. Your risk is also higher if you:
- have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
- have a clotting disorder
- take other medications that affect how your blood clots
If you have any risk factors or take other drugs, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen.
Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain your blood pressure.
Ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins. This change can lead to an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease your kidney function and increase your blood pressure.
Symptoms of decreased kidney function include:
- increased blood pressure
- fluid buildup
- dehydration
- urinating less frequently
- dizziness
Your risk is increased if you:
- are an older adult
- have kidney disease
- take blood pressure medications
Prostaglandins also help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects you from damage from stomach acid.
Because ibuprofen decreases how much prostaglandin you make, stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines is a possible side effect.
This side effect is fairly rare. However, the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. Other factors that increase your risk include:
- a history of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- older age
- use of oral steroids or the blood thinners known as anticoagulants
- smoking
- alcohol use, specifically more than three alcoholic beverages per day
Did you know?
If you have severe stomach pain or you notice bloody or tarry stools, you may have symptoms of an ulcer. Contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.
Some people have an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, but this is also rare.
If you’ve had allergic reactions to aspirin, don’t take ibuprofen. If you start to have trouble breathing or your face or throat starts to swell, contact your doctor right away and stop taking ibuprofen.
There’s a very rare risk of liver failure after taking ibuprofen. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen. Stop taking ibuprofen and contact your doctor right away if you start to have any of the following symptoms:
- nausea
- tiredness
- lack of energy
- itchiness
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- pain in the upper right area of your abdomen
- flu-like symptoms
These may be signs of liver damage or liver failure.
Ibuprofen can be a safe and easy over-the-counter remedy (OTC) for minor aches and pains. However, if you don’t use it as recommended, ibuprofen can possibly be harmful.
It’s always smart to talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you’re not sure if you should use it. If you experience bothersome side effects or believe you may have taken too much, contact your doctor right away.
Most of the serious side effects result from taking the drug when you shouldn’t, taking too much of it, or taking it for too long. You can reduce your risk of side effects by using the smallest possible dose for shortest possible time.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Advil – ibuprofen sodium tablet, coated. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5be198b8-396e-4b44-8819-e2e3b5d2ad0e - Ibuprofen – ibuprofen tablet, film coated. (2007).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=953cee06-5c26-4f30-870a-46b9fbb66e79 - Risser A, et al. (2009). NSAID prescribing precautions.
aafp.org/afp/2009/1215/p1371.html - Ibuprofen. (2016).
medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159. html
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 8, 2019
Written By
University of Illinois-Chicago
Edited By
Heather Hobbs
Mar 7, 2019
Medically Reviewed By
Alan Carter, PharmD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 8, 2019
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Ibuprofen in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in premature and/or low birth weight infants
Review question
Is ibuprofen, compared with indomethacin, other cyclooxygenase inhibitors, placebo, or no intervention, for the repair of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) safe and effective in improving rates of ductus occlusion and other important clinical outcomes in preterm and/or children with low birth weight?
Relevance
PDA is a common complication in very preterm (born premature) or very low birth weight babies. The PDA is an open vascular canal between the lungs and the heart (between the pulmonary artery and the aorta). After birth, it should close, but sometimes remains open due to the immaturity of the baby. PDA can lead to life-threatening complications. Previously, indomethacin, a drug that closes the PDA in most children, has been commonly used to correct PDA, but it can cause serious side effects, such as reduced blood flow to some organs. Another treatment option is ibuprofen.
Study profile
We searched scientific databases to identify randomized controlled trials (clinical studies in which people are randomly assigned to one of two or more treatment groups) in preterm infants (born before 37 weeks gestation), infants with low birth weight at birth (less than 2500 g) or premature and low birth weight infants with PDA. Treatment options were ibuprofen, indomethacin, another cyclooxygenase inhibitor, placebo, or no treatment. The evidence is current to 30 November 2017.
Main results
This review of 39 trials (2843 children) found that ibuprofen was as effective as indomethacin in closing the PDA, had fewer transient side effects on the kidneys, and reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious disease that affects the intestines. It is not known whether ibuprofen has any significant long-term benefits or disadvantages in relation to the development of the child. More studies are needed with a long follow-up period up to 18 months of age and up to school entry age to decide which drug – ibuprofen or indomethacin – is the drug of choice for PDA closure.
Quality of evidence: When comparing intravenous and oral ibuprofen with intravenous and oral indomethacin, according to the GRADE scale (a method for assessing the quality of trials supporting each outcome), the quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate, but was moderate for important outcomes of ineffective pacing closure of the PDA, the need for surgical closure of the PDA, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the development of necrotizing enterocolitis, oliguria, and serum and plasma creatinine levels.
Translation notes:
Translation: Uvarova Karina Gennadievna. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Russian translation project coordination: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia, Cochrane Geographic Group Associated to Cochrane Nordic. For questions regarding this transfer, please contact us at: [email protected]
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Vyvanse
Warning
- This drug carries a risk of abuse and misuse. This drug can also be habit-forming with prolonged use. Do not use longer than prescribed by your doctor. Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on any drugs or alcohol. Misuse of this drug can cause heart side effects or even sudden death.
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- It is used to treat compulsive overeating.
- This drug may also be used for other indications. Consult your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?
- If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
- If you or a family member has any of the following health problems: Blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, structural heart disease or other heart problems, or Tourette’s syndrome or tics.
- If you have any of the following health conditions: glaucoma, jitters, anxiety, or an overactive thyroid.
- If you have ever had any of the following health problems: drug/drug addiction or stroke.
- If you are taking any of the following drugs: acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate.
- If you have taken medications for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the past 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
- If you are taking any of the following drugs: linezolid or methylene blue.
- If you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this drug.
This list of drugs and conditions that may interfere with this drug is not all inclusive.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.
What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?
- Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
- This drug is not approved for weight loss. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
- Avoid driving or doing other tasks or jobs that require alertness or keen eyesight until you know how this drug affects you.
- If this drug is taken for a long time or at high doses, its effectiveness may be reduced and a higher dose may be needed to achieve the same effect. The so-called tolerance to the drug develops. Talk to your doctor if this drug stops working as you want. Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor.
- Long-term or regular use of this drug may lead to dependence. Sudden discontinuation of this drug may lead to so-called “withdrawal” symptoms. Talk to your doctor before reducing your dose or stopping this drug. You must follow the doctor’s instructions. If you experience any side effects, check with your doctor.
- You may need to have a heart test before you start using this drug. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
- This drug may cause high blood pressure.
- Measure your blood pressure and heart rate as instructed by your doctor.
- This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all your health care workers and laboratory staff that you are taking this drug.
- Talk to your doctor before taking an over-the-counter drug that can raise blood pressure. These drugs include cough and cold medicines, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products.
- Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
- This drug has been associated with new or worsening of existing mood and behavioral changes, such as changes in thinking, anger and hallucinations. If you or someone in your blood family has been diagnosed with a mental or emotional disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if someone in your family has committed suicide, tell your doctor. If you experience hallucinations, movement disorders, or signs of emotional distress such as depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, distorted thinking, anxiety, or decreased interest in life, see your doctor immediately.
- In some cases, the drug may affect the growth rate in children and adolescents. They may need regular growth rate checks. Consult your doctor.
- This drug is not approved for use in children younger than 6 years of age. Children younger than 6 years of age have an increased risk of weight loss in the long term.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The benefits and risks of taking this drug during pregnancy will need to be discussed.
Which side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?
WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Signs of high blood pressure, such as a very severe headache, or dizziness, or loss of consciousness, or blurred vision.
- Increased or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Change the color of brushes, feet or other areas. The skin may become pale, bluish, grey, purplish, or red.
- Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling in the hands or feet.
- Any sores or sores on the fingers or toes.
- Pain or weakness in the muscles, dark urine, difficulty urinating.
- Myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death have happened in adults who have taken this drug. Sudden deaths have also been reported in children with some cardiac disorders or heart defects. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; weakness on 1 side of the body; difficulty speaking or thinking; imbalance; omission of 1 side of the face; changes in vision; chest pain or angina; dyspnea; severe dizziness or fainting.
- When this drug is taken with certain other drugs, a bad and sometimes deadly condition called serotonin syndrome can develop. Call your doctor right away if you experience agitation, balance problems, confusion, hallucinations, high fever, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythms, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, tremors or tremors, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting , severe headache.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Anxiety.
- Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
- Dry mouth.
- Feeling anxious.
- Weight loss.
- Sleep disorders.
- Dizziness.
This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.
You can report side effects to the National Health Board.
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is the best way to take this drug?
Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.
All forms:
- Take this drug at about the same time of day.
- Take this drug with or without food.
- To avoid sleep disturbance, do not take this drug late in the evening.
Capsules:
- Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew, break or crush.
- You can open the capsule and pour the powder into a glass of water, orange juice or yogurt. If necessary, the caked powder can be crushed with a spoon. Mix well.
- If taken in a mixed form, swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store for future use.
Chewable:
- Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
What if I miss a dose of a drug?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you can.
- If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
How do I store and/or discard this drug?
- Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep this medicine in a protected place out of sight and reach of children and out of the reach of other people. A box or room that is locked with a key can act as a secure storage place for the drug. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets.
- Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.
General information about medicines
- If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
- Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
- Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- A separate instruction for patients is attached to the drug. Please read this information carefully. Reread it each time you refill your supply. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability
This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances.