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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Acemetacin

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Acemetacin


  • Acemetacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also known as an NSAID).
  • Take acemetacin with or straight after food.
  • Acemetacin may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery.

About acemetacin

Type of medicineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used forRelief of pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and in disorders of the joints, muscles and tendons
Pain relief after operations
Also calledEmflex®
Available asCapsules

Acemetacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as an NSAID.

It works by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (also known as COX) which is involved in the production of certain irritant chemicals in response to injury or rheumatic disease. By blocking the action of COX, acemetacin reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Before taking acemetacin

Before taking acemetacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are under 18 years of age or over 65 years of age.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
  • If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you have heart problems.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have blood in your stools.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have Parkinson's disease.
  • If you have mental health problems.
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) or to any other medicine.

How to take acemetacin

  • Before starting acemetacin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take acemetacin exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • The usual dose is two or three capsules each day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you.
  • Take acemetacin capsules with plenty of water, during or straight after a meal.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with acemetacin to protect your stomach from irritation.
  • If you need to take acemetacin for a long time, your doctor may want you to have blood tests from time to time. You may also be advised to have regular eye tests.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with acemetacin.

Can acemetacin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Indigestion, heartburn, stomach painMake sure you take your dose after a meal. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy food
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating any machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Other possible side-effects: constipation, headache, nervousness, mood changes, and difficulty sleepingIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any of the following, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
  • Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
  • A severe skin rash.
  • A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store acemetacin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having dental treatment or an operation, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3429DocRef: dils2539Last Reviewed: 8 Mar 2011Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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