PRECAUTIONS
General
Ibuprofen tablets cannot be expected to substitute for corticosteroids or to treat corticosteroid insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids may
led to disease exacerbation. Patients with prolonged corticosteroids therapy should have their therapy tapered slowly if a decision is made to discontinue
corticosteroids.
The pharmacological activity of ibuprofen tablets in reducing fever and inflammation may diminish the utility of these diagnostic signs in detecting
complications of presumed noninfections, painful conditions.
Hepatic effects
Borderline elevations of one or more liver tests may occur in up to 15 % of patients taking NSAIDs, including ibuprofen tablets. These laboratory
abnormalities may progress, may remain unchanged, or may ne 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, 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 with abnormal liver test values, should be evaluated for evidence of the development
of a more severe hepatic reaction while on therapy with ibuprofen tablets. If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or is systemic
manifestations occur (e.g. eosinophilia, rash, etc.), ibuprofen tablets should be discontinued.
Hematological effects
Anemia is sometimes seen in patients receiving NSAIDs, including ibuprofen tablets. 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 tablets, 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 tablets 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 NSAIDs has been reported in such aspirin - sensitive
patients, ibuprofen tablets should not be administered to patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should be used in conjunction in patients with
preexisting asthma.
Ophthalmological effects
Blurred and/or diminished vision, scotomata, and/or changes in color vision have been reported. If a patient develops such complaints while receiving
ibuprofen tablets, the drug should be discontinued, and the patient should have an ophthalmological examination which includes central visual fields and color
vision testing.
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. If signs or symptoms of meningitis develop in a patient on ibuprofen tablets, the possibility of its being related to ibuprofen tablets should be
considered.
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 tablets like other NSAIDs, may cause serious CV side effects, such as MI or stroke, whichmay 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 paid, 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 tablets, like other NSAIDs, can cause GI discomfort and, rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, which may result in
hospitalization and even death. Although serious GI tract ulcerations and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, patients should be alert for the
signs and symptoms of ulcerations and bleeding, and should ask for medical advice when observing any indicative signs 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 tablets, like other NSAIDs, can cause serious skin side effects such as exfoliative dermatitis, SJS and TEN, which may result in hospitalization
and even death. Although serious skin reactions may occur without warning, patients should be alert for the signs amd symptoms of skin rash and
blisters, fever, or other signs hypersensitivity such as itching, and should ask for medical advice when observing any indicative sign or symptoms.
Patients should be advised to stop the drug immediately if they develop any type of rash and contact their physicians as soon as possible.
-Patients should promptly report signs or symptoms of unexplained weight gain or edema to their physicians.
-Patients should be informed of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatoxicity (e.g. nauseam fatigue,lethargy, pruritus, 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 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 tablets should be avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
Laboratory Tests
Because 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 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 abnormal liver tests persists or worsen, ibuprofen tablets
should be discontinued.
Drug Interactions
ACE - inhibitors
Reports 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.
Aspirin
When ibuprofen tablets are administered with aspirin, its protein binding is reduced, although the clearance of free ibuprofen tablets is not altered. The
clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally
recommended because of the potential for increased adverse effects.
Diuretics
Clinical studies, as well as post marketing observations, have shown that ibuprofen tablets 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.
Lithium
Ibuprofen 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.)
Methotrexate
NSAIDs 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.
Warfarin - type anticoagulants
Several short - term controlled studies failed to show that ibuprofen tablets significantly affected prothrombin times or a variety of other clotting factors when
administered to individuals on coumarin - type anticoagulants. However, because bleeding has been reported when ibuprofen tablets and other NSAIDs have
been administered to patients on coumarin - type anticoagulants, the physician should be cautious when administering ibuprofen tablets 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.
H - 2 Antagonists
In studies with human volunteers, co - administration of cimetidine or ranitidine with ibuprofen had no substantive effect on ibuprofen serum concentrations.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic effects - Pregnancy Category C
Reproductive studies conducted in rats and rabbits have not demonstrated evidence of developmental abnormalities. However, animal reporduction studies
are not always predictive of human response. There are no adequate and well - controlled studies in pregnant women. Ibuprofen tablets should be used in
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nonteratogenic effects
Because of the known effects of NSAIDs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), use during late pregnancy should be avoided.
Labor and Delivery
In 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 tablets on labor and delivery in pregnant women are unknown.
Nursing Mothers
It 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 tablets, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into
account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of ibuprofen tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
As with any NSAIDs, caution should be exercised in treating the elderly (65 years and older).