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 Ketoprofen.

Blood clotting: This medication may reduce the ability of the blood to clot. If you are taking anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin) or have Hemophilia or another blood disorder (e.g., low platelets), discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ketoprofen, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a bleeding disorder, do not take Ketoprofen.

Drowsiness and dizziness: Ketoprofen can cause drowsiness and dizziness that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid potentially hazardous activities until you know how Ketoprofen affects you.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: NSAIDs such as ketoprofen can cause fluid retention and edema (swelling). This can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of heart failure. If you have heart failure or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ketoprofen, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart Attack and Stroke: This medication may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk is increased with higher total daily doses and taking the medication over long periods of time. If you have a history of heart disease (e.g., heart attack, stroke, heart failure) or have risk factors for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, smoking, Kidney Disease) discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ketoprofen, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: Ketoprofen may mask the signs of infection (e.g., Fever). If you notice other symptoms of infection (e.g., painful or frequent urination, productive cough) contact your doctor.

Kidney function: Long-term use of ketoprofen may lead to a higher risk of reduced kidney function. You have a higher risk of developing kidney problems if you are a senior, take diuretics (water pills), or already have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function with blood tests if you take Ketoprofen for a long period of time.

Liver problems: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Ketoprofen to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ketoprofen, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Ketoprofen.

Ketoprofen may affect your liver function or cause liver problems. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests if you take Ketoprofen for a long period of time.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, feeling tired, yellowing of the skin or eyes) contact your doctor immediately. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skin reactions: Ketoprofen can cause skin reactions, some of which may be severe. If you experience a skin rash, especially where the skin is blistering or peeling, stop taking Ketoprofen and contact your doctor.

Ketoprofen may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (including sunlamps) and may cause Sunburn, skin blisters, and skin redness, itching, or discoloration. If you have a reaction from the sun while taking Ketoprofen, contact your doctor.Ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines: Ketoprofen can cause stomach ulcers, perforations (holes), and bleeding from the stomach. These complications can occur at any time without warning, and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention. The risk of ulcers and bleeding increases if you are taking higher doses of ketoprofen for longer periods of time.

Other factors that increase the risk of these complications include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, increased age, smoking, poor health, H pylori infection, and taking certain medications (e.g., warfarin, ASA, Clopidogrel, Prednisone, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline).

If you currently have ulcers that are bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or have an inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis), you should not take Ketoprofen. If you have a history of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Ketoprofen may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ketoprofen, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms or signs of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools; blood in stools; stomach pain; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds). These reactions can occur at any time during treatment without warning.

Pregnancy: Ketoprofen should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Ketoprofen, contact your doctor immediately.

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

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 12 years of age.

Seniors:  If you are a senior, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects from Ketoprofen. You should use the lowest effective dose under close medical supervision.