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Tiaprofenic Acid

  • Important: if you experience problems when urinating (passing water) such as pain, blood in the urine, an increased need to pass water, or a need to pass water during the night, then stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

About tiaprofenic acid

Type of medicineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used forPain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and other muscle and joint conditions
Also calledSurgam
Available asTablets

Tiaprofenic Acid works by preventing the production of substances by the body that are involved in pain and inflammation. It is used to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic disease and it is also useful in other conditions where there is pain and swelling in the muscles and joints.

Before taking tiaprofenic acid

Before taking tiaprofenic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • If you suffer from rhinitis (constant runny nose), asthma or breathing problems.
  • If you suffer from prostate problems or have problems urinating (passing water).
  • If you currently have a urine (water) infection such as cystitis or you tend to have urine infections regularly.
  • If you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive or bowel problems.
  • If you have ever suffered from a peptic (stomach) or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have ever had an unusual reaction from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction (such as itching or swelling of the mouth and face) to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take tiaprofenic acid

  • Take tiaprofenic acid exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
  • Take this medicine with or immediately after food. Swallow the tablets whole.
  • If you experience indigestion after taking tiaprofenic acid try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
  • Tiaprofenic acid is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of tiaprofenic acid contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside tiaprofenic acid.
  • Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking tiaprofenic acid.

Can tiaprofenic acid 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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick or being sick, stomach upset, indigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Drowsiness and dizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
HeadachesAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues speak with your doctor.
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If it is severe and lasts for more than a day, then contact your doctor.

Other unwanted effects include: constipation, swelling feet or lower legs, nervousness or depression, problems sleeping, numbness in your hands or feet, tiredness, photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), general feeling of being unwell, disturbance in vision, ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth and throat; a rash, wheezing or breathing problems; yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; black or bloody stools; a need to pass urine (water) more often, pain on passing urine or blood in the urine; then stop taking this medicine immediately and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

How to store tiaprofenic acid

  • 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • 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. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Summary of Product Characteristics, Surgam®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised February 2007, accessed 20 November 2007.
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3320
DocRef:
dils2272
Last Reviewed:
4 Feb 2008
Version:
22
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