INTRODUCTION

ETOVA AQ 400MG contains Etodolac which belongs to the group of medicine called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is indicated in the treatment of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by reducing joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive bone disease which causes inflammation of the joints leading to pain, stiffness and deformity. It happens normally in the fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles. Osteoarthritis is a common bone degenerative disease predominant at middle age in which the joint cartilage and the underlying bone wears off, leading to pain and stiffness. It happens especially in the hip, knee and thumb joints.

ETOVA AQ 400MG works by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandin and other powerful inflammatory mediators of arachidonic acid involved in causing pain, inflammation and swelling. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition.

This medicine has a high potential to cause gastrointestinal disorders such as bleeding, ulceration and perforation at any time with or without warning symptoms. If any sign of GI bleeding occurs, stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor immediately. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it could aggravate the GI side effects. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and heartburn. Contact your doctor if any of these symptom bothers you.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart disease. ETOVA AQ 400MG is highly contraindicated in patients having or previously had any GI problems such as ulcers or bleeding. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children (under 18 years) unless recommended by your doctor.

USES OF ETOVA AQ 400MG

Relieves pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling associated with:

• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Osteoarthritis

HOW ETOVA AQ 400MG WORKS

Etodolac is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. It acts by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) leading to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and other powerful inflammatory mediators involved in causing pain, inflammation and swelling.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ETOVA AQ 400MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Flatulence:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid traveling, driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor for advice.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen)


• Medicines used for high blood pressure (e.g. captopril, enalapril, losartan, propranolol)


• Medicines used to treat depression (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline, lithium)


• Warfarin and heparin (used to prevent blood clots)


• Ciclosporin (used to prevent graft rejection)


• Digoxin (used to treat irregular heartbeat or heart failure)


• Lithium (used to treat manic depression)


• Methotrexate (used to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis)


• Corticosteroids (used to treat allergy and inflammatory conditions) e.g. prednisolone


• Quinolone antibiotics (used to treat bacterial infections) e.g. ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin


• Mifepristone (a medicine used to induce abortion)