Famotidine and ibuprofen

Famotidine lowers the amount of acid that the stomach makes.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that decreases hormones that lead to inflammation and pain.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is a combination drug. Ibuprofen helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Famotidine helps lower the chance of ulcers in the stomach or intestines that may occur with long-term use of ibuprofen.

Taking famotidine (Pepcid) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) together does not provide the same benefits as using the combination medicine.

Famotidine and ibuprofen may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that works for your condition.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is usually taken 3 times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take more than your recommended dose. An ibuprofen overdose can damage your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of famotidine and ibuprofen needed to relieve your pain, swelling, or fever.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you use famotidine and ibuprofen for a long time, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use famotidine and ibuprofen right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen can also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to famotidine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using famotidine and ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• bleeding problems;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, or lupus;
• asthma; or
• if you smoke or drink alcohol.

If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you experience signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Ibuprofen may cause serious side effects. Stop using ibuprofen and call your doctor right away if you have:

• changes in your vision;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• fever, headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• little or no urination;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults and in people who have severe kidney disease.

Common side effects of famotidine and ibuprofen may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Famotidine 26.6 mg-Ibuprofen 800 mg (1 tablet) orally 3 times a dayUses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, including gastric and/or duodenal ulcer in patients taking ibuprofen for those indications

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Famotidine 26.6 mg-Ibuprofen 800 mg (1 tablet) orally 3 times a dayUses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, including gastric and/or duodenal ulcer in patients taking ibuprofen for those indications

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of an overdose may include weakness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may have ingredients similar to ibuprofen (like aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Do not use other medications that contain ibuprofen.

Do not drink alcohol. It may raise your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask your doctor before taking famotidine and ibuprofen if you are using a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin), or an antidepressant like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect famotidine and ibuprofen. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.