Ibuprofen-Famotidine
Pronounced
"EYE-bue-PROE-fen/fam-OH-ti-deen"
Uses
This combination medication is used to relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis while decreasing the risk of developing an ulcer from ibuprofen use. It contains ibuprofen and famotidine. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This helps to decrease swelling and pain. Famotidine is an H2 blocker that works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This helps prevent ulcers.
Ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.
Warning
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen) may rarely increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or an increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Do not take this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop taking this product and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for gout attacks.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ibuprofen/famotidine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually three times a day. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If you have stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the medication. Splitting the medication may not provide enough famotidine to protect against ulcers.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than prescribed.
It may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
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