Ponstyl (other name Ponstel)

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

cigarette smoker

drink alcohol-containing beverages

heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

recent heart surgery

stomach bleeding or ulcers

swelling of ankles or hands

taking medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

taking steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

an unusual or allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food if your stomach gets upset. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 14 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cidofovir

ketorolac

methotrexate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol

alendronate

antacids with magnesium

aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

diuretics

herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba

lithium

medicines for high blood pressure

medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

other NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

pemetrexed

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

black tarry stools

blurred vision

breathing problems

chest pain

general ill feeling or 'flu-like' symptoms

high blood pressure

right upper belly pain

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

slurring of speech

stomach pain or cramps

sudden weight gain or swelling

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea or constipation

dizziness, drowsiness

gas or heartburn

headache

nausea, vomiting

unusually sensitive to the sun

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.