Combaren is used to relieve the pain, fatigue, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immediate-release Combaren is also used to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. Combaren is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation. Combaren is also used sometimes to treat pain caused by gout and painful shoulder, bone pain, cancer pain, and pain after surgery or childbirth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Dosage & Administration
Osteoarthritis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 150 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 mg 2 or 3 times a day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 200 mg a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 mg 3 to 4 times a day. People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 mg a day.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
The usual dose for adults is 100 to 125 mg of Combaren a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 mg 4 times a day, with another 25 mg at bedtime if necessary.
Pain and menstrual discomfort.
The usual starting dose for adults of Combaren is 50 mg every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 mg followed by two 50 mg doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 mg in a day.
The safety and effectiveness of Combaren have not been established in children.
Special precautions
Remember that Combaren has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.
Use Combaren cautiously if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention.
This medication can also cause liver problems. If you develop signs of liver disease such as nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, yellowish eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your abdomen, or flu-like symptoms, notify your doctor at once.
Rare cases of meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain) have been linked to Combaren. If symptoms such as fever and coma develop, alert the doctor immediately.
In rare instances, Combaren may also affect your vision. If you notice any problems, stop taking the drug and check with your doctor.
Contraindications
Combaren taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Combaren with the following:
- Aspirin
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- Digitalis drugs such as Lanoxin
- Diuretics such as Dyazide, Midamor, and Lasix
- Insulin or oral antidiabetes medications such as Micronase
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Methotrexate
- Phenobarbital
Do not take Combaren during your pregnancy, it could harm the baby. Check with your doctor before taking the drug early in pregnancy, it should be used only if necessary. The drug does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
Side effects
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Abdominal bleeding, pain, cramps or swelling.
- blood clotting problems
- Constipation
- Diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, indigestion
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Itching
- Nausea, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears, vomiting.
Symptoms of overdose
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
