INDICATION 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 antagonist. DUEXIS is used to relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and to decrease the risk of developing ulcers in the stomach and upper intestines (upper gastrointestinal ulcers) in people who are taking ibuprofen for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. DUEXIS was mostly studied in people less than 65 years of age and who did not have any history of ulcers of the stomach and upper intestines.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
- Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, unusual sensitivity to light, muscle pain, chills, confusion, or drowsiness. These could be signs of meningitis, a serious brain problem.
- Blurred or decreased vision, changes in color vision, or any other problems with your eyes.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about DUEXIS?
- NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious blood clotting events, including heart attack and stroke, which can kill you. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use. To minimize the potential for increased risk of serious heart events while being treated with an NSAID, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
- NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious esophagus, stomach, and intestine events including bleeding, ulcers, and tears, which can kill you. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a history of ulcer disease or stomach or intestine bleeding are at greater risk for serious esophagus, stomach, and intestine events.
Who should not use DUEXIS?
- DO NOT USE DUEXIS if you
- are in the hospital for a certain heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
- know you are allergic to ibuprofen or famotidine or any ingredients of the drug product or to other H2-receptor antagonists.
- have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Serious allergic reactions to NSAIDs, including death, have been reported in such patients.
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.
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?
Avoid using DUEXIS while taking other NSAIDs unless your doctor 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 doctor 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, asthma, or are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding. Also tell your doctor 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.
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. You may also contact the Horizon Pharma Medical
Information Department toll-free at 1-866-479-6742 or medicalinformation@horizonpharma.com.
The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about DUEXIS with your health care provider or pharmacist. Click here for the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or call 1-866-479-6742.
