What is Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)?
Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)which is used to treat mild to moderate pain and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain. However, Etodolac does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it.
Recommendations for use of Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
For acute and long-term management of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for the management of pain.
Etodolace may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain, Acute
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dosage and direction of taking Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Etodolac. If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Etodolac tablet with a glass of water with or without food as per your doctor's advice.
Usually 2 to 3 times daily is the recommended dose. Stay up without lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking Etodolac.
Take Etodolac with milk, food or antacid in order to prevent a stomach upset.
Your dosage will be decided upon your medical condition, age, your response to the medication and other medications that you are taking.
Take Etodolac exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.In order to reduce the side effects your doctor may start Etodolac at a low dosage and gradually will increase the dosage over time.
If you are asked to take Etodolac "as and when needed" (which is not regularly) take at the initial onset of pain. It may not work if you wait till the pain has worsened. For certain conditions (arthritis it may take several weeks before you can get the full benefit.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.
Missed Dose of Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine) work?
Similar to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs}, the anti-inflammatory effects of etodolac result from inhibition of the enzyme cycooxygenase. Which helps decreases the synthesis of peripheral prostaglandins involved in mediating inflammation. Etodolac binds to the upper portion of the COX enzyme active site and prevents its substrate, arachidonic acid, from entering the active site. Etodolac was previously thought to be a non-selective COX inhibitor, but it is now known to be five to fifty times more selective for COX-2 than COX-1. Antipyresis may occur by central action on the hypothalamus, resulting in peripheral dilation, increased cutaneous blood flow, and subsequent heat loss.
Precautions before taking Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Prior to taking Etodolac inform your doctor if you have
any allergies to Etodolac or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, celecoxib, naproxen) or any other allergies
asthma (including worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
blood disorders (bleeding/clotting problems, anemia)
growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
liver disease
heart disease (history of heart attacks)
stroke
high blood pressure
stomach / throat/ intestinal problems (ulcers, heartburn, bleeding)
Kidney problem occur with NSAIDs use. If you are dehydrated problems are more likely to arise. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Etodolac may make you dizzy, confused or disoriented. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely. Understand how this medication affects you. Do not take any alcoholic beverages.
Stomach bleeding can be caused by Etodolac. While you are taking Etodolac if you consume alcohol and tobacco it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Etolodac makes you extremely sensitive to sunlight. You must remember to limit your time in the sun. You shouldn't be using tanning booths and sun lamps. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Inform your doctor immediately if you get sun burnt or have skin blisters or redness.
If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking.
Older adult patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. They may experience
kidney problems
stomach / intestinal bleeding
worsening heart problems
Women of child bearing age should discuss with their doctor about the risks and benefits involved prior to using Etodolac.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. During pregnancy Etodolac should be if it is absolutely necessary. During the first and last trimesters of pregnancy do not use Etodolac as it may cause harm to the unborn baby and also interfere with normal labour or delivery.
Nursing mothers must discuss with the doctor if it is safe to feed the baby while taking Etodolac.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Etodolace together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects.
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Nausea
Dizziness
Check your blood pressure regularly as Etodolac may raise your blood pressure. Inform your doctor if your readings are high.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience these rare but serious side effects mentioned below.
easy bruising/bleeding
hearing changes (ringing in the ears)
difficult / painful swallowing
signs of kidney problem (amount of urine passes reduced)
symptoms of heart failure (swelling ankles / feet, sudden/ unusual weight gain, unusual tiredness)
vision changes
mental / mood changes
unexplained stiff neck
Etodolac may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek emergency medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious liver damage such as stomach / abdominal pain, yellowing eyes / skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, persistent nausea/vomiting.
A serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Etodolac. In case you show the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic
itching
severe dizziness
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Alcohol may increase the side effects of this medicine, DO NOT CONSUME.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
ace inhibitors (lisinopril, captopril)
aliskiren
corticosteroids (prednisone)
water pills (diuretics eg: furosemide)
angiotension II receptor blockers (losartan, valsartan)
cidofovir
lithium
Etodolac may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs such as anti-platelet drugs (clopidogrel), blood thinners (warfarin, dabigatran, enoxaparin, dabigatran).
Read all the prescription and non-prescription medication labels carefully as many medications contain pain relievers. These drugs are similar to Etodolac which may increase risk of side effects.
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Etodolace. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Etodolac (Etova - Generic Lodine)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Etodolace tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Etodolace should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Etodolace or Etova
Formula: Etodolace | C17H21NO3