Lodine

The active ingredient in Lodine is etodolac. The mechanism of action is that it acts as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX), which are proteins in the body. This reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lodine. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lodine:

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.
• It may be up to two weeks before your symptoms improve. Continue taking the medication as prescribed, and notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
• If you use Lodine for an extended period of time, you may require regular medical examinations.
• This medication may have an effect on the outcome of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you use Lodine.
• It is not advised to drink alcohol while taking Lodine.

The most common side effects of Lodine seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Stomach pain.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Constipation.
• Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Anemia.
• High liver enzymes.
• Urinary problems.
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Weight gain.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lodine. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Stomach bleeding symptoms include feeling faint, vomiting blood, having bloody or dark, tarry stools, and experiencing extreme stomach pain or discomfort.
• Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, or tightness that spreads to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw.
• Stroke symptoms include trouble breathing, weakness in one area of the body or face, and slurred speech.
• Symptoms of heart failure include trouble breathing, edema, and a rapid heart rate.
• Liver disorders include stomach bloating, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or whites of the eyes, black or brown urine, and disorientation.
• Tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, less frequent urination, frothy or bloody urine, and muscle cramps are all symptoms of kidney disorders.
• Severe allergic reactions include hives, skin rash, blisters, skin reactions, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lodine. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lodine, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
• A heart attack, stroke, or clot.
• Heart disease.
• Kidney problems.
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding.
• Asthma.
• Fluid retention.
• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• If you use aspirin to avoid a heart attack or stroke.

Boxed Warning

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been linked to an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may grow the longer the medication is used, especially in patients who already have heart conditions or other cardiovascular risk factors. It’s important to note that NSAIDs should not be used to manage pain around the time of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

NSAIDs also carry significant gastrointestinal risks, including bleeding, ulcers, and potentially fatal perforations in the stomach or intestines. These issues can develop at any point during treatment and often arise without warning signs. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these severe gastrointestinal side effects.

Asthma, hives, or other adverse reactions occur after using aspirin or another NSAID.

Use of etodolac following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

If you're using immediate-release etodolac for abrupt, short-term pain, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to begin working and lasts about 5-6 hours. It may take 1 to 2 weeks to experience improvement in your rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis after using etodolac extended-release tablets. If you have any concerns about how effectively etodolac is working for you, speak with your doctor.

When Lodine is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine.
• Lithium.
• Methotrexate.
• A blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven).
• Heart or blood pressure medication, such as a diuretic or "water pill"
• Steroid medications (such as prednisone) or corticosteroids.

Etodolac immediate release - for adults only.

Short-term pain: Take 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours.

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: The usual starting dose is 300 mg taken orally two to three times per day. Other dose possibilities include 400 mg or 500 mg taken orally twice a day. The maximum daily dose is one gram.

Etodolac extended-release - for people aged 6 and older

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (ages 6 to 16): The dose is determined by your child's body weight. In general, the average dose is 400 mg to 1,000 mg orally once per day.

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: The typical starting dose is 400 mg to 1,000 mg taken orally once daily.

Store Lodine at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Almirall Limited is the company that manufactures Lodine.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Lodine.

It is not advised to stop taking Lodine suddenly. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you wish to stop taking the medication.

If you are pregnant, do not use Lodine unless your doctor advises you to. Taking an NSAID in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy might cause major heart or renal problems in the unborn baby, as well as pregnancy difficulties.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.