Drug Uses

Relafen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Relafen with a meal or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Relafen.


Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Relafen at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Relafen may have adverse effects. Such conditions require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice effects like drowsiness, lack of energy, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain and in some extreme cases stomach bleeding, elevated blood pressure and coma.

Safety Information

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Relafen if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like any liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib).

Relafen may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Relafen. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding.

Use of aspirin is not advised when using this medicine.

It should be used with caution on elderly people as they are more susceptible to its side effects.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Relafen to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby. The medicine should not be used by women who are in the last 6 months of pregnancy.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Relafen as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.