This medication belongs to the group of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It helps to reduce pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose is 600 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses. It may be taken as 300 mg taken twice a day or 200 mg taken 3 times a day.

To reduce the possibility of this medication causing upset stomach, take this medication after meals or with milk.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not take tiaprofenic acid if you:

• are allergic to tiaprofenic acid or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are in the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy
• are taking other medications from the same group (i.e., NSAIDs)
• have asthma (whether it is related to anti-inflammatory medications or not)
• have had an allergic reaction to ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., asthma, itchy and runny nose, hives, or other allergic reactions)
• have nasal polyps
• have or have recently had an active inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestines such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• have reduced liver function or active liver disease
• have severely impaired or worsening kidney function

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea or constipation
• drowsiness
• flatulence (gas)
• fluid retention
• heartburn
• nausea or vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• dizziness, loss of balance, or ringing in the ears
• heartbeat that is irregular, racing, or pounding
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• skin rash
• symptoms of a urinary tract infection (such as pain or burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, pain in the back or sides, or blood in the urine)
• symptoms of anemia (such as paleness, fatigue, or weakness)
• symptoms of liver damage (such as yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or itching)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
• symptoms of a bleeding ulcer (such as black tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting up of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
• symptoms of a severe skin rash (such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• unusual or persistent bleeding or bruising

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Cardiovascular disease: As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tiaprofenic acid may cause blood pressure to increase, stroke, or heart attack. People with any heart or circulatory disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness have been reported by some people taking this medication. Do not drive vehicles or undertake other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined that this medication does not affect you in this way.

Fluid retention: As with many other NSAIDs, fluid retention has been reported. Tiaprofenic acid should be used with caution by anyone who:

• is recovering from surgical operations under general anesthesia
• has any other condition that might lead to fluid retention
• has certain heart conditions
• has high blood pressure
• has kidney disease

People with any of the above conditions should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Tiaprofenic acid has occasionally been known to cause kidney damage. People with reduced kidney function or kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you are taking the medication for a long period of time, your doctor may recommend kidney function tests.

Liver function: Other medications from the same group as tiaprofenic acid (NSAIDs) have occasionally caused liver damage. People with reduced liver function or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, itchy skin, pale stools, or dark urine. Your doctor may recommend regular liver function tests if you are taking this medication for a long period of time.

Ulcers: Tiaprofenic acid may increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It should be taken under close medical supervision by people prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines, particularly those people who have had a stomach ulcer, blood in the stools, or diverticulosis or another inflammatory disease of the stomach or intestines (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease). In these cases, the doctor must weigh the benefits of treatment against the possible risks. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a bleeding ulcer such as dark tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy. This medication should not be used during the first and second trimester (first 6 months) of pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Tiaprofenic acid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking tiaprofenic acid, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors who take this medication should be closely monitored by their doctors. Seniors may be more likely to develop side effects to tiaprofenic acid and may require a lower dose.

There may be an interaction between tiaprofenic acid and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.