Azapropazone

About azapropazone

Azapropazone belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen, and diclofenac. There are several others as well.

Azapropazone can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout when alternative treatments have failed.

Azapropazone works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain and inflammation. By stopping the production of prostaglandins, azapropazone reduces pain, swelling and inflammation.

Before taking azapropazone

Before taking azapropazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from asthma or any other allergic disorder.
• If you suffer from a blood disorder or blood clotting problems.
• If you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• If you have a heart condition.
• If you have cerebrovascular disease (a disorder of the blood vessels to the brain).
• If you have peripheral vascular disease (blood circulation problems).
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and indometacin) or any other medicine.
• If you are under 12 years of age or elderly.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take azapropazone

• Take azapropazone exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take azapropazone capsules with a meal or just after eating some food.
• Try to take azapropazone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you experience indigestion after taking azapropazone, try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
• Azapropazone is likely to cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Do not use sunbeds and avoid direct sunlight or use a sun cream with a sun protection factor higher than SPF 15.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with azapropazone.

Can azapropazone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store azapropazone

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

Important information about all medicines