Product Details

What you need to know before you take Mefenamic Acid Capsules 250mg

Do not take if you have, or have ever had, severe gastritis, a peptic ulcer (ulcer in your stomach or duodenum) or bleeding in your stomach, or have had two or more episodes of peptic ulcers, stomach bleeding or perforation. Do not take Mefenamic Acid Capsules if you: • Have a history of stomach bleeding or perforation which may be related to the use of NSAIDs (naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac) or aspirin • Are allergic to mefenamic acid or any other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) • Have a history of allergy to aspirin, ibuprofen or NSAIDs, which includes attacks of asthma, swelling of the nose and throat, skin rashes or a runny nose • Have a history of, or active disorders of the stomach or intestines such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastrointestinal cancers or diverticulitis (inflamed or infected pouches/pockets in the colon) • Have severe heart failure • Have severe liver or kidney failure • Are in the last three months of your pregnancy • Have recently had coronary artery bypass graft surgery. If any of the above applies to you, tell your doctor immediately and do not take Mefenamic Acid Capsules 250mg. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Mefenamic Acid Capsules if you: • Suffer from asthma or have had a history of asthma, as this medicine may cause breathing difficulties • Are an older person. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine to protect your stomach and intestines from side effects particularly if you are over 70 years old or are taking other medication • Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease • Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which causes inflammation in various parts of the body or mixed connective tissue disorders (MCTD) as there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (an illness characterised by headache, fever and inflammation of the lining of the brain) • Are known to be a poor metaboliser of CYP2C9 • Suffer from kidney disease and dehydration (thirsty with dry skin, dark urine, dry mouth, headache) • Suffer from liver disease • Have diabetes • Have heart problems, previous stroke or think you might be at risk of these conditions (For example if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol or are a smoker) you should discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist • Regularly take a painkiller for headaches over a prolonged period as it can make them worse • Have a bleeding disorder or if you are going to have a major operation. Mefenamic Acid Capsules can affect the clotting of your blood. It can make you bleed more and for longer than usual • Have epilepsy • Are taking any other NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) • Are taking any other anti-inflammatory medicines including steroids (e.g. prednisolone) • Are taking aspirin or medicines that thin the blood (e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel) • Are taking antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g. paroxetine) • Have a problem with the metabolism of sugar in your body. Mefenamic acid may interfere with platelet function, therefore you should inform your doctor if you suffer from intracranial bleeding. Medicines such as mefenamic acid may be associated with a small risk of heart attack (‘myocardial infarction’) or stroke. Any risk is more likely with high doses and prolonged treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. Mefenamic Acid Capsules may make it more difficult to become pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant. If you go into hospital or to see a doctor or dentist, tell them you are taking Mefenamic Acid Capsules. Other medicines and Mefenamic Acid Capsules 250mg Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. The following medicines must not be taken with Mefenamic Acid Capsules: • Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief e.g. naproxen, diclofenac • Anticoagulants such as warfarin to prevent blood clots. Tell your doctor before you take Mefenamic Acid Capsules if you are taking any of the following medicines: • Low dose aspirin (75mg) to help prevent heart attack or stroke • Corticosteroids, which are drugs given to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies and hormone imbalances • Certain medicines used to treat heart conditions known as cardiac glycosides such as digoxin • Certain medicines for depression such as lithium or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram • Antihypertensives and ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure • Methotrexate which can be given to treat various conditions such as cancers, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis • Cyclosporin, which is given to help prevent rejection of transplanted organs • Quinolone antibiotics, which are used to treat various infections • Mifepristone which is used to medically terminate pregnancies • Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure or kidney problems (water tablets) • Anti-platelet agents (used to prevent blood clots from forming that can lead to heart attack or stroke) e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, dipyridamole • Tacrolimus which is used to suppress the immune system after organ transplant • Zidovudine which is used in the treatment of AIDS and HIV infection • Aminoglycoside antibiotics, e.g. streptomycin • Probenecid used in the treatment of gout • Some diabetic medicines such as (e.g. glipizide, glibenclamide). Mefenamic Acid Capsules 250mg with food and drink Always take the capsules with plenty of water, preferably after a meal. Try to take them at the same time every day. Blood tests: Your doctor may test your blood during treatment. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Pregnancy Mefenamic acid will be passed to your unborn baby. It is not known how much it will affect your unborn baby in the first 6 months of pregnancy. Do not take Mefenamic Acid Capsules if you are in the last three months of pregnancy as they may delay the onset of labour and prolong its duration. They may also increase the likelihood of bleeding in the mother and in the baby. It is not usually recommended at other stages of pregnancy but you may be able to take it if your doctor advices that it is necessary for you. Breast-feeding Mefenamic acid passes into breast milk and can affect the baby. You should not take the capsules while breast-feeding unless advised by your doctor. Fertility Do not take the capsules if you are trying to become pregnant, as they may make it more difficult to get pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant. Driving and using machines Undesirable effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue and visual disturbances are possible after taking NSAIDs. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Mefenamic Acid Capsules 250mg contain lactose If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. Information on sodium content This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per capsule, i.e. is essentially ‘sodium-free’.