General
Ibuprofen suspension cannot be expected to substitute for
corticosteroids or to treat corticosteroid insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation
of corticosteroids may lead to disease exacerbation. Patients on prolonged
corticosteroid therapy should have their therapy tapered slowly if a decision is
made to discontinue corticosteroids.
The pharmacological activity of ibuprofen suspension in reducing fever and
inflammation may diminish the utility of these diagnostic signs in detecting
complications of presumed noninfectious, painful conditions.
Hepatic Effects
Borderline elevations of one or more liver tests may occur in up
to 15% of patients taking NSAIDs including ibuprofen suspension. These
laboratory abnormalities may progress, may remain unchanged, or may be transient
with continuing therapy. Notable elevations of ALT or AST (approximately three
or more times the upper limit of normal) have been reported in approximately 1%
of patients in clinical trials with NSAIDs. In addition, rare cases of severe
hepatic reactions, including jaundice and fatal fulminant hepatitis, liver
necrosis and hepatic failure, some of them with fatal outcomes have been
reported.
A patient with symptoms and/or signs suggesting liver dysfunction, or in whom
an abnormal liver test has occurred, should be evaluated for evidence of the
development of a more severe hepatic reaction while on therapy with ibuprofen
suspension. If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease
develop, or if systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.),
ibuprofen suspension should be discontinued.
Hematological Effects
Anemia is sometimes seen in patients receiving NSAIDs, including
ibuprofen suspension. This may be due to fluid retention, occult or gross GI
blood loss, or an incompletely described effect upon erythropoiesis. Patients on
long-term treatment with NSAIDs, including ibuprofen suspension, should have
their hemoglobin or hematocrit checked if they exhibit any signs or symptoms of
anemia.
In two postmarketing clinical studies the incidence of a decreased hemoglobin
level was greater than previously reported. Decrease in hemoglobin of 1 gram or
more was observed in 17.1% of 193 patients on 1600 mg ibuprofen daily
(osteoarthritis), and in 22.8% of 189 patients taking 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily
(rheumatoid arthritis). Positive stool occult blood tests and elevated serum
creatinine levels were also observed in these studies.
NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and have been shown to prolong bleeding
time in some patients. Unlike aspirin, their effect on platelet function is
quantitatively less, of shorter duration, and reversible. Patients receiving
ibuprofen suspension who may be adversely affected by alterations in platelet
function, such as those with coagulation disorders or patients receiving
anticoagulants, should be carefully monitored.
Preexisting Asthma
Patients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. The use
of aspirin in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma has been associated with
severe bronchospasm, which can be fatal. Since cross reactivity, including
bronchospasm, between aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has
been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, ibuprofen suspension should
not be administered to patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should
be used with caution in patients with preexisting asthma.
Aseptic Meningitis
Aseptic meningitis, with fever and coma, has been observed on
rare occasions in patients on ibuprofen therapy. Although it is probably more
likely to occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and related
connective tissue diseases, it has been reported in patients who do not have an
underlying chronic disease.
Diabetics
Ibuprofen suspension contains 270 mg high fructose corn syrup and
2.43 calories per mL, or 1350 mg high fructose corn syrup and 12.15 calories per
teaspoonful, which should be taken into consideration when treating diabetic
patients with this product.
Information for Patients
Patients should be informed of the following
information before initiating therapy with an NSAID and periodically during the
course of ongoing therapy. Patients should also be encouraged to read the NSAID
Medication Guide that accompanies each prescription dispensed.
- Ibuprofen suspension, like other NSAIDs, may cause serious CV side effects,
such as MI or stroke, which may result in hospitalization, and even death.
Although serious CV events can occur without warning symptoms, patients should
be alert for the signs and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath,
weakness, slurring of speech, and should ask for medical advice when observing
any indicative sign or symptoms. Patients should be apprised of the importance
of this follow-up (see WARNINGS -
Cardiovascular Effects).
- Ibuprofen suspension, like other NSAIDs, can cause GI discomfort and,
rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, which may result
in hospitalization or even death. Although serious GI tract ulcerations and
bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, patients should be alert for signs
and symptoms of ulcerations and bleeding, and should ask for medical advice when
observing any indicative sign or symptoms including epigastric pain, dyspepsia,
melena, and hematemesis. Patients should be apprised of the importance of this
follow-up (see WARNINGS -
Gastrointestinal Effects - Risk of Ulceration, Bleeding, and
Perforation).
- Ibuprofen suspension, like other NSAIDs, can cause serious skin side effects
such as exfoliative dermatitis, SJS, and TEN, which may result in
hospitalizations and even death. Although serious skin reactions may occur
without warning, patients should be alert for the signs and symptoms of skin
rash and blisters, fever, or other signs of hypersensitivity such as itching,
and should ask for medical advice when observing any indicative signs or
symptoms. Patients should be advised to stop the drug immediately if they
develop any type of rash or contact their physicians as soon as possible.
- Patients should promptly report signs and symptoms of unexplained weight
gain or edema to their physicians.
- Patients should be informed of the warning signs and symptoms of
hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritis, jaundice, right upper
quadrant tenderness, and "flu-like" symptoms). If these occur, patients should
be instructed to stop therapy and seek immediate medical therapy.
- Patients should be informed of the signs of an anaphylactoid reaction (e.g.,
difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). If these occur, patients
should be instructed to seek immediate emergency help (see WARNINGS).
- In late pregnancy, as with other NSAIDs, ibuprofen suspension should be
avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus
arteriosus.
Laboratory TestsBecause serious GI tract ulcerations and bleeding can occur
without warning symptoms, physicians should monitor for signs or symptoms of GI
bleeding. Patients on long-term treatment with NSAIDs should have their CBC and
a chemistry profile checked periodically. If clinical signs and symptoms
consistent with liver or renal disease develop, systemic manifestations occur
(e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.) or if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen,
ibuprofen suspension should be discontinued.
Drug InteractionsACE-inhibitorsReports suggest that NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive
effect of ACE-inhibitors. This interaction should be given consideration in
patients taking NSAIDs concomitantly with ACE-inhibitors.
AspirinAs with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of IBUPROFEN and
aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased
adverse effects.
DiureticsClinical studies, as well as post marketing observations, have
shown that ibuprofen suspension can reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide
and thiazides in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition
of renal prostaglandin synthesis. During concomitant therapy with NSAIDs, the
patient should be observed closely for signs of renal failure (see WARNINGS - Renal Effects), as well
as to assure diuretic efficacy.
LithiumIbuprofen produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a
reduction in renal lithium clearance in a study of eleven normal volunteers. The
mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and the renal clearance of
lithium was decreased by 19% during this period of concomitant drug
administration. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of renal
prostaglandin synthesis by ibuprofen. Thus, when ibuprofen and lithium are
administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of
lithium toxicity. (Read circulars for lithium preparation before use of such
concurrent therapy.)
MethotrexateNSAIDs have been reported to competitively inhibit methotrexate
accumulation in rabbit kidney slices. This may indicate that they could enhance
the toxicity of methotrexate. Caution should be used when NSAIDs are
administered concomitantly with methotrexate.
WarfarinSeveral short-term controlled studies failed to show that
ibuprofen significantly affected prothrombin times or a variety of other
clotting factors when administered to individuals on warfarin-type
anticoagulants. However, because bleeding has been reported when ibuprofen and
other NSAIDs have been administered to patients on warfarin-type anticoagulants,
the physician should be cautious when administering ibuprofen to patients on
anticoagulants. The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are
synergistic, such that the users of both drugs together have a risk of serious
GI bleeding higher than users of either drug alone.
PregnancyTeratogenic EffectsPregnancy Category CReproductive studies conducted in rats and rabbits have not
demonstrated evidence of developmental abnormalities. However, animal
reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response. There are no
adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ibuprofen should be used
in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the
fetus.
Nonteratogenic EffectsBecause of the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), use
during pregnancy (particularly late pregnancy) should be avoided.
Labor and DeliveryIn rat studies with NSAIDs, as with other drugs known to inhibit
prostaglandin synthesis, an increased incidence of dystocia, delayed
parturition, and decreased pup survival occurred. The effects of ibuprofen
suspension on labor and delivery in pregnant women are unknown. Therefore,
administration of ibuprofen suspension is not recommended during labor and
delivery.
Nursing MothersIt is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for
serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ibuprofen suspension, a
decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the
drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness of ibuprofen suspension in pediatric
patients below the age of 6 months have not been established (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Studies). Dosing of
ibuprofen suspension in children 6 months or older should be guided by their
body weight (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Geriatric UseAs with any NSAID, caution should be exercised in treating the
elderly (65 years and older).