Etova 400mg (Etodolac 400mg)

Etova 400 mg

What is etodolac?

Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Etodolac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Etodolac may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Etodolac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Etodolac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using etodolac, especially in older adults. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to etodolac (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by etodolac. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

Before taking this medicine

Etodolac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Etodolac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults. You should not use etodolac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. To make sure etodolac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke; a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding; asthma; liver or kidney disease; or fluid retention.

Taking etodolac during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using etodolac. Etodolac can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine. The etodolac regular tablet is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. The extended-release form of etodolac is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I take etodolac?

Take etodolac exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using etodolac. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking etodolac?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs while you are taking etodolac. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to etodolac. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Etodolac side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to etodolac: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath. Stop using etodolac and call your doctor at once if you have: changes in your vision; the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion); swelling or rapid weight gain; signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); kidney problems - little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common etodolac side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion; diarrhea, constipation, gas; dizziness, weakness; sore throat, runny nose, flu symptoms; itching, rash; or headache.

Etodolac dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Capsules or tablets: 300 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day or 400 mg orally twice a day or 500 mg orally twice a day. Total daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

Extended-release tablets: 400 to 1200 mg orally, given once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Capsules or tablets: 300 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day or 400 mg orally twice a day or 500 mg orally twice a day. Total daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

Extended-release tablets: 400 to 1200 mg orally, given once daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Capsules or tablets: 200 to 400 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Total daily dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Extended-release tablets:
6 to 16 years: dose based on weight, given orally once daily

For 20 to 30 kg, dose is 400 mg
For 31 to 45 kg, dose is 600 mg
For 46 to 60 kg, dose is 800 mg
For greater than 60 kg, dose is 1000 mg

What other drugs will affect etodolac?

Ask your doctor before using etodolac if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: cyclosporine; lithium; methotrexate; a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or steroid medicine (prednisone and others). This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with etodolac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.