Before taking or using indometacin

Before taking or using indometacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are 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 been given suppositories to use and you have haemorrhoids or proctitis (inflammation around the back passage).
• 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 or use indometacin

• Before starting indometacin, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Follow the instructions you have been given by your doctor.
• If you have been given indometacin capsules, these should be taken with plenty of water, during or straight after a meal or snack.
• If you have been given the modified-release capsules, these must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. Take your doses with plenty of water, during or straight after a meal or snack.
• 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.

1. Remove the suppository from the wrapping.
2. You may find that inserting the suppository is easier if you squat or bend forward.
3. Using your finger gently push the suppository into your rectum (back passage) as far as possible, pointed end first.
4. Remain still for a little while to help you hold the suppository in place.
5. Wash you hands after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep any regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with indometacin to protect your stomach from irritation.
• If you need to take indometacin 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 indometacin.

Can indometacin 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.

• 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 indometacin

• 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

References

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Indometacin Capsules BP 25mg and 50mg, Goldshield plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2009.
• Manufacturer’s PIL, Indometacin Suppositories 100mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2007.
• Manufacturer’s PIL, Pardelprin® MR, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2007.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.