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Generic Advil, Medipren

(Generic name: Ibuprofen)

What is Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever. Avoid taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). Do not drink alcohol while taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets), aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Before taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets), tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• polyps in your nose; or
• liver or kidney disease,
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
• if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. However, taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. It is not known whether Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever. Take Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The ibuprofen chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

If you take Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Avoid taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form). Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) (such as ketoprofen or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Do not drink alcohol while taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What are the possible side effects of Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
• fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
• bloating, gas;
• dizziness, headache, nervousness;
• skin itching or rash;
• blurred vision; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets)?

Before taking Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets), tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others;
• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
• diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• steroids (prednisone and others); or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets) or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Generic Advil, Medipren 600 mg (180 Tablets). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.