Indocin SR

Indocin SR is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in adults and children who are at least 14 years old to treat signs and symptoms caused by certain types of arthritis, including moderate to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Indocin SR is also used to treat shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis.

Extended-release Indocin SR should not be used to treat gouty arthritis.

Indocin SR may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the lowest dose that effectively treats your condition.

Your dose may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of Indocin SR. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

You may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects. Continue taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need medical tests to check your heart and kidney function. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Indocin SR is not meant for long-term use.

This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using Indocin SR.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine tightly closed and away from light. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Indocin SR can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Indocin SR right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Indocin SR can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Indocin SR can also cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. This can happen without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not use Indocin SR if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack, hives, or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• congestive heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• bleeding problems;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• depression, mood changes;
• seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease;
• asthma;
• fluid retention; or
• liver or kidney disease.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while using this medicine.

Do not use Indocin SR during pregnancy unless your doctor advises you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or lead to pregnancy complications.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (hives, 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).

Stop using Indocin SR and seek medical help if you experience a serious drug reaction that can impact various parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have 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.

Indocin SR may cause serious side effects. Stop using Indocin SR and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• changes in your vision;
• flu-like symptoms;
• neurological problems—tremors or shaking, seizures, new or worsening depression, confusion, or psychosis, drowsiness;
• high blood pressure—severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• kidney or heart problems—swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath;
• signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems—loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• high blood potassium—nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Indocin SR may also make asthma attacks worse in people who have asthma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Older adults may be more likely to experience serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of Indocin SR may include:

• headache; dizziness;
• heartburn, stomach pain, gas; or
• nausea, vomiting.

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

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

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

• Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Indocin SR will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask your doctor before using Indocin SR if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Indocin SR can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, pain, or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aspirin;
• probenecid;
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• medicine used to prevent blood clots--alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others; or
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Indocin SR, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.