POWERFUL RELIEF YOU WANT
STOMACH PROTECTION YOU MAY NEED
DUEXIS offers the convenience of prescription-strength ibuprofen with a stomach-protecting medicine in 1 tablet—so you get the relief you want from the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with less risk of getting stomach ulcers vs ibuprofen alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
DUEXIS is used to:
- Relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Decrease the risk of developing ulcers in the stomach and upper intestines (upper gastrointestinal ulcers) in patients who are taking ibuprofen for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
DUEXIS is a prescription 2-in-1 combination tablet that contains 2 medicines—ibuprofen and famotidine.
- Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Famotidine is a histamine H2–receptor blocker, a medicine that helps reduce stomach acid, which may lower your risk of getting stomach ulcers.
- Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may happen early in treatment and may increase:
- with increasing doses of medicine containing NSAIDs
- with longer use of medicine containing NSAIDs
Do not take DUEXIS right before or after a heart surgery called a “coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).” Avoid taking DUEXIS after a recent heart attack, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. You may have an increased risk of another heart attack if you take DUEXIS after a recent heart attack.
- Increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) of the esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), stomach and intestines:
- past history of stomach ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding with use of NSAIDs
- taking medicines called “corticosteroids”, “anticoagulants”, “SSRIs”, or “SNRIs”
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
- older age
- poor health
You should take DUEXIS exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed. DUEXIS contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID (ibuprofen). Do not use DUEXIS with other medicines to lessen pain or fever or with other medicines for colds or sleeping problems without talking to your healthcare provider first, because they may contain an NSAID also.
DUEXIS may help your acid-related symptoms, but you could still have serious stomach problems. Talk with your healthcare provider.
DUEXIS contains ibuprofen, an NSAID and famotidine, a histamine H2-receptor blocker medicine.
DUEXIS is available by prescription only. When talking about treatment options with your doctor, ask for DUEXIS by name and see if it may be right for you.
You should not take DUEXIS:
- if you are allergic to ibuprofen, famotidine, any other histamine H2-receptor blocker, or any of the ingredients in DUEXIS. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients
- if you have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAIDs
- right before or after a heart surgery called a “coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)”
- if you are in the late stages of pregnancy (after 29 weeks of pregnancy)
Before you take DUEXIS, you should tell your doctor if you:
- have liver or kidney problems
- have high blood pressure
- have heart problems
- have asthma
- have bleeding problems
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not take DUEXIS after 29 weeks of pregnancy
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. DUEXIS can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take DUEXIS
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. DUEXIS and some other medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Do not start taking any new medicine without talking to your doctor first.
You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Since DUEXIS contains ibuprofen, talk to your doctor before taking any other NSAID-containing products. NSAIDs may be present in over-the-counter medications for treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia; refer to the label of over-the-counter medications you are taking or ask your pharmacist.
Do not use DUEXIS and low-dose aspirin until you talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take as some medicines can react with NSAIDs and cause serious side effects.
Ask your doctor about DUEXIS; only your doctor can offer information that is specific to your own health.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short, are used to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation from medical conditions, including different types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs are non-narcotic and non-addictive.
Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor blocker—a medicine that helps reduce stomach acid.
- Take DUEXIS exactly as your doctor tells you to take it
- Your doctor will tell you how many DUEXIS tablets to take and when to take them
- Do not change your dose or stop taking DUEXIS without first talking to your doctor
- Swallow DUEXIS tablets whole. Do not split, chew, crush, or dissolve the tablets
- Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow the tablet whole. You may need a different medicine
If you take too much DUEXIS, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If you forget to take a dose of DUEXIS, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose on time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time to make up for a missed dose.
- DUEXIS should be stored at 77°F (between 59°F and 86°F is allowed)
- Keep DUEXIS dry
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
What is DUEXIS® (ibuprofen and famotidine)?
DUEXIS contains two medicines: ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and famotidine, a histamine H2–receptor blocker medicine.
DUEXIS is a prescription medicine used to:
- relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- decrease the risk of developing ulcers of the stomach and upper intestines (upper gastrointestinal ulcers) in people taking ibuprofen for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is not known if DUEXIS is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about DUEXIS?
- DUEXIS can cause an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use and with increasing doses of medicine containing NSAIDs.
- DUEXIS can cause an increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. These events can occur at any time during use, without warning symptoms and may cause death. Elderly patients and patients with a history of ulcer disease or stomach or intestine bleeding are at greater risk for getting an ulcer or bleeding.
- You should take DUEXIS exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed.
DUEXIS can cause serious side effects. Stop taking DUEXIS and call your doctor or go to your emergency department right away if you get:
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of your body, or slurring of speech. These could be signs of a serious blood clotting event.
- Upper stomach pain, upset stomach, black, tarry stools, or vomiting of blood. These could be signs of an esophagus, stomach, or intestinal ulcer, bleed, or tear. Note: if you are also taking low‐dose aspirin, you are at increased risk for esophagus, stomach, or intestinal bleeding.
- Nausea, more tired or weaker than usual, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, right upper abdomen tenderness, and “flu‐like” symptoms. These could be signs of a liver problem.
- Shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands or feet. These could be signs of a serious heart problem.
- Any type of rash. This could be a sign of a serious skin reaction.
These are not all of the possible side effects of DUEXIS. Please talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms that bother you or that do not go away. If you take too much DUEXIS, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Who should not use DUEXIS?
Do not take DUEXIS:
- if you are allergic to ibuprofen, famotidine, any other histamine H2–receptor blocker, or any of the ingredients in DUEXIS. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.
- if you have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
- right before or after heart bypass surgery called coronary artery bypass graft.
- if you are in the 30th week of pregnancy until delivery
How should I take DUEXIS?
Take DUEXIS exactly as your health care provider tells you to take it. Do not change your dose or stop DUEXIS without first talking to your health care provider. Swallow DUEXIS tablets whole with liquid. Do not split, chew, crush, or dissolve the DUEXIS tablet. If you forget to take a dose of DUEXIS, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose on time. Do not take 2 doses at one time to make up for a missed dose. You should not take an ibuprofen tablet and famotidine tablet together instead of taking a DUEXIS tablet, because they will not work in the same way.
What are the possible side effects of DUEXIS?
The most common side effects of DUEXIS include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, and headache.
What other medications might interact with DUEXIS?
Do not use DUEXIS while taking other NSAIDs unless your health care provider says it is OK. NSAIDs may be present in over‐the‐counter medications for treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia; refer to the label of over‐the‐counter medications you are taking or ask your pharmacist. Do not use DUEXIS and low‐dose aspirin until you talk to your health care provider. Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take as some medicines can react with NSAIDs and cause serious side effects.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Before starting DUEXIS, tell your health care provider if you have a history of ulcer disease or esophagus, stomach, or intestine bleeding, liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding problems, asthma, or are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding. Taking DUEXIS at about 20 weeks of pregnancy or later may harm your unborn baby. If you need to take DUEXIS for more than 2 days when you are between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may need to monitor the amount of fluid in your womb around your baby. You should not take DUEXIS after about 30 weeks of pregnancy. Also tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Do not start taking new medicines without talking to your health care provider first.
Please see the Medication Guide and Prescribing Information, or visit Duexis.com for additional information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
DUEXIS contains two medicines: ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and famotidine, a histamine H2–receptor blocker medicine.
DUEXIS is a prescription medicine used to:
- relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- decrease the risk of developing ulcers of the stomach and upper intestines (upper gastrointestinal ulcers) in people taking ibuprofen for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is not known if DUEXIS is safe and effective in children.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
What is DUEXIS® (ibuprofen and famotidine)?
DUEXIS contains two medicines: ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and famotidine, a histamine H2–receptor blocker medicine.
DUEXIS is a prescription medicine used to:
- relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- decrease the risk of developing ulcers of the stomach and upper intestines (upper gastrointestinal ulcers) in people taking ibuprofen for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is not known if DUEXIS is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about DUEXIS?
- DUEXIS can cause an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use and with increasing doses of medicine containing NSAIDs.
- DUEXIS can cause an increased risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. These events can occur at any time during use, without warning symptoms and may cause death. Elderly patients and patients with a history of ulcer disease or stomach or intestine bleeding are at greater risk for getting an ulcer or bleeding.
- You should take DUEXIS exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed.
DUEXIS can cause serious side effects. Stop taking DUEXIS and call your doctor or go to your emergency department right away if you get:
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of your body, or slurring of speech. These could be signs of a serious blood clotting event.
- Upper stomach pain, upset stomach, black, tarry stools, or vomiting of blood. These could be signs of an esophagus, stomach, or intestinal ulcer, bleed, or tear. Note: if you are also taking low‐dose aspirin, you are at increased risk for esophagus, stomach, or intestinal bleeding.
- Nausea, more tired or weaker than usual, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, right upper abdomen tenderness, and “flu‐like” symptoms. These could be signs of a liver problem.
- Shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands or feet. These could be signs of a serious heart problem.
- Any type of rash. This could be a sign of a serious skin reaction.
These are not all of the possible side effects of DUEXIS. Please talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms that bother you or that do not go away. If you take too much DUEXIS, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Who should not use DUEXIS?
Do not take DUEXIS:
- if you are allergic to ibuprofen, famotidine, any other histamine H2–receptor blocker, or any of the ingredients in DUEXIS. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.
- if you have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAIDs.
- right before or after heart bypass surgery called coronary artery bypass graft.
- if you are in the 30th week of pregnancy until delivery
How should I take DUEXIS?
Take DUEXIS exactly as your health care provider tells you to take it. Do not change your dose or stop DUEXIS without first talking to your health care provider. Swallow DUEXIS tablets whole with liquid. Do not split, chew, crush, or dissolve the DUEXIS tablet. If you forget to take a dose of DUEXIS, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose on time. Do not take 2 doses at one time to make up for a missed dose. You should not take an ibuprofen tablet and famotidine tablet together instead of taking a DUEXIS tablet, because they will not work in the same way.
What are the possible side effects of DUEXIS?
The most common side effects of DUEXIS include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, and headache.
What other medications might interact with DUEXIS?
Do not use DUEXIS while taking other NSAIDs unless your health care provider says it is OK. NSAIDs may be present in over‐the‐counter medications for treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia; refer to the label of over‐the‐counter medications you are taking or ask your pharmacist. Do not use DUEXIS and low‐dose aspirin until you talk to your health care provider. Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take as some medicines can react with NSAIDs and cause serious side effects.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Before starting DUEXIS, tell your health care provider if you have a history of ulcer disease or esophagus, stomach, or intestine bleeding, liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding problems, asthma, or are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding. Taking DUEXIS at about 20 weeks of pregnancy or later may harm your unborn baby. If you need to take DUEXIS for more than 2 days when you are between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may need to monitor the amount of fluid in your womb around your baby. You should not take DUEXIS after about 30 weeks of pregnancy. Also tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Do not start taking new medicines without talking to your health care provider first.
Please see the Medication Guide and Prescribing Information, or visit Duexis.com for additional information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.