Orudis, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis). It is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain, as well as menstrual pain.

Oruvail, an extended-release form of the drug, is used to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis over the long term, not severe attacks that come on suddenly.

Actron and Orudis KT are over-the-counter forms of the drug. They are used to relieve minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, toothache, muscle aches, backache, minor arthritis, and menstrual cramps. They are also used to reduce fever.
You should have frequent check-ups with your doctor if you take Orudis regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.
To minimize side effects, your doctor may recommend that you take Orudis with food, an antacid, or milk.

If you are using Orudis for arthritis, it should be taken regularly.

Orudis and Oruvail should not be taken together.

Actron and Orudis KT should be taken with a full glass of water or other fluid. Do not use them for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain.

* If you miss a dose...

If you take Orudis on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

* Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect Oruvail capsules from direct light and excessive heat and humidity.

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Orudis.

More common side effects may include:

Abdominal pain, changes in kidney function, constipation, diarrhea, dreams, fluid retention, gas, headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, nausea, nervousness

Less common or rare side effects may include:

Allergic reaction, amnesia, anemia, asthma, belching, blood in the urine, bloody or black stools, change in taste, chills, confusion, congestive heart failure, coughing up blood, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), depression, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, dry mouth, eye pain, facial swelling due to fluid retention, general feeling of illness, hair loss, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hives, impaired hearing, impotence, increase in appetite, increased salivation, infection, inflammation of the mouth, irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), kidney failure, liver problems, loosening of fingernails, loss of appetite, migraine, muscle pain, nasal inflammation, nosebleed, pain, peptic or intestinal ulcer, rapid heartbeat, rash, rectal bleeding, red or purple spots on the skin, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin discoloration, skin eruptions, skin inflammation and flaking, sleepiness, sore throat, stomach inflammation, sweating, swelling of the throat, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, visual disturbances, vomiting, vomiting blood, weight gain or loss.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Orudis, or if you have had asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you should not take this medication.

Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Remember that stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning.

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease.

If you are taking Orudis for an extended period of time, your doctor will check your blood for anemia.

This drug can increase water retention. Use with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.

Make sure your doctor knows what other conditions you have and what other drugs you are taking.

Check with your doctor before taking Actron if the painful area is red or swollen. Also check with your doctor if, after you have started taking Actron, your symptoms continue or get worse, new symptoms appear, or you have stomach pain.
If Orudis is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Orudis with the following:

Aspirin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Lithium (Lithonate)
Methotrexate
Probenecid (the gout medication Benemid)

Orudis can prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, use this drug cautiously.

Do not combine pain relievers without asking your doctor.

If you usually have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, ask your doctor about taking pain relievers.
©2007 Painlab.com