fenoprofen
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) works well to relieve general pain as well as symptoms of arthritis such as swelling and joint stiffness. But, it's very expensive compared to alternatives.
What is Fenoprofen (Nalfon)?
What is Fenoprofen (Nalfon) used for?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Mild to moderate pain
How Fenoprofen (Nalfon) works
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It stops the inflammation process in your body, which relieves pain and symptoms of arthritis.
Drug facts
Side effects of Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Indigestion or upset stomach (10%)
- Headache (9%)
- Sleepiness (9%)
- Nausea (8%)
- Dizziness (7%)
- Constipation (7%)
- Nervousness (6%)
- Weakness (5%)
- Swelling of legs or hands (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Tremor or shakiness
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Itching
- Rash
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Liver problems: nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes
- Kidney problems: irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lower urine output, confusion, weakness
- Heart attack: chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding: black or tarry stool, dizziness, stomach pain or discomfort
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing
- Serious skin reactions: flu-like symptoms, painful rash or blisters all over body, peeling of skin
- Stroke: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, loss of balance, confusion
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling or fluid buildup in ankles, feet, or legs, cough
The following Fenoprofen (Nalfon) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Abdominal or stomach pain
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blurred vision
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
decreased hearing
difficult or labored breathing
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
hearing loss
itching skin or rash
rapid weight gain
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Rare
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black or red, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in vomit
bloody or cloudy urine
bloody stools
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
chills
clay-colored stools
coughing up blood
dark urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fever with or without chills
frequent urge to urinate
general body swelling
greatly decreased frequency or amount of urine
hoarseness
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
increased thirst
indigestion
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
not able to pass urine
pale skin
paralysis
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
prolonged bleeding from cuts
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red or dark brown urine
redness of the skin
severe or continuing stomach pain
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach upset
swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
swelling of the hands, legs, and feet
swollen or painful glands
tenderness in the stomach area
troubled breathing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
yellow eyes or skin
Symptom of overdose
Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
rapid, deep breathing
restlessness
shakiness and unsteady walk
stomach cramps
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
headache
lack or loss of strength
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stomach discomfort
Less common
Body aches or pain
ear congestion
increased sweating
loss of voice
mood or mental changes
muscle aches
stuffy or runny nose
Rare
General feeling of discomfort or illness
trouble sleeping
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Pros and cons of Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
Pros
- Studies show that fenoprofen (Nalfon) causes less stomach-related side effects (e.g. nausea and indigestion) than aspirin.
- Can relieve pain as well as lower fevers
- Helps to lessen joint swelling and stiffness and improves range of motion in people with arthritis
- Fewer side effects compared to other alternatives used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Cons
- Expensive, even as a generic
- It needs to be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach issues.
- Not recommended to use during pregnancy
- It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for long periods of time.
Pharmacist tips for Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Take fenoprofen (Nalfon) with food or milk to prevent upset stomach, nausea, and indigestion.
- If you are allergic to aspirin, there is a chance you may be allergic to fenoprofen (Nalfon) as well. Tell your provider about your allergies.
- There are several over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications that can interact with fenoprofen (Nalfon). Naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil) are in the same drug class as fenoprofen (Nalfon), so be very careful not to combine these medications, because it can raise your risk for bleeding. Always ask your pharmacist or provider if a new medication is safe to take along with fenoprofen (Nalfon).
- If you're age 65 or older, you're at a greater risk for stomach-related problems and kidney problems while taking this medication. You should take the lowest dose of fenoprofen (Nalfon) for the shortest amount of time that's necessary to treat your pain.
- You can expect to feel improvement in pain within a few days after using fenoprofen (Nalfon), but it may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks to see the full effects.
Common questions about Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
No, fenoprofen (Nalfon) is not a narcotic. Fenoprofen (Nalfon) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is similar to medications such as Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen). Unlike narcotics, there is no potential for addiction and abuse with this medication.
Both fenoprofen (Nalfon) and ibuprofen (Advil) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and work well to relieve pain and lessen inflammation. Fenoprofen (Nalfon) is only available with a prescription and ibuprofen (Advil) is available with or without a prescription (over-the-counter). Discuss with your provider about which option is best for you.
Avoid using fenoprofen (Nalfon) together with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Combining these medications together can raise your risk for stomach-related side effects and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Drowsiness is a possible side effect of fenoprofen (Nalfon). Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires you to be alert until you know how this medication affects you.
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) doesn't directly cause weight gain. However, if you have heart failure, it can worsen your condition. One of the symptoms of heart failure is fluid buildup in your body which can lead to weight gain. If you experience unusual weight gain while on this medication, let your provider know right away.
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Risks and warnings for Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart attack and stroke
- Risk factors: Long-term use | History of heart disease | History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
Taking fenoprofen (Nalfon) for long periods of time can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you've had a history of heart disease or are planning a heart bypass surgery. Take fenoprofen (Nalfon) for the shortest amount of time possible needed to control your symptoms in order to lower this risk. Talk to your provider about alternatives to fenoprofen (Nalfon) if you're going to have heart bypass surgery.
Stomach bleeding
- Risk factors: Age 65 or older | History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease | Longer duration of treatment | Use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Smoking | Alcohol use
Taking fenoprofen (Nalfon) can raise your risk of ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Talk to your provider if you suddenly get sharp pains in your stomach or you notice bright, red blood in your vomit or dark, tarry stool.
Increased blood pressure
- Risk factors: History of high blood pressure
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) can raise your blood pressure, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly as instructed by your provider.
Heart failure risk
- Risk factors: People with heart failure
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) can worsen your symptoms of heart failure, including fluid buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and hospitalizations. Therefore, if you have heart failure, the risks and benefits of using fenoprofen (Nalfon) should be discussed with your provider before starting this medication. If you have heart failure and are taking fenoprofen (Nalfon), your provider will likely monitor you for signs of worsening heart failure.
Decreased kidney function
- Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Dehydration | Heart failure | Liver problems | Taking diuretics (water pills) and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) | Age 65 or older
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) and similar medications in the NSAID family can cause poor kidney function or permanent kidney damage. In some cases, problems with your kidneys may raise the potassium levels in your blood. If you experience irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, less urine output, confusion, or weakness while taking this medication, let your provider know.
Liver problems
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) and similar medications in the NSAID family can cause liver problems. Your provider might order blood tests to make sure that your liver is healthy. Let your provider know if you experience nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes while taking this medication.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs | Aspirin-sensitive asthma
If you've experienced a serious allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past, then there's a chance that you may develop an allergic reaction to fenoprofen (Nalfon) as well. Let your provider know about all of your allergies before starting this medication. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking fenoprofen (Nalfon), get medical help right away.
Life-threatening skin reactions
- Risk factors: History of serious skin reactions to NSAIDs
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) can cause life-threatening skin reactions such as painful rash or blisters all over the body and peeling of the skin. You may also experience flu-like symptoms. If this happens, you will need to stop taking this medication and switch to a different one.
Harm to your unborn baby
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) isn't recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, because it can cause serious harm to your unborn baby. If you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk with your provider about other safer alternatives.
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Risk factors: Taking with other blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin) | Taking with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) can raise your risk of bleeding which can lead to anemia (low red blood cells). If you experience fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or dizziness after taking this medication, let your provider know. Regular blood tests may need to be done to make sure that your red blood cells are within normal levels.
Changes to vision
In some rare cases, NSAIDs can cause changes to your vision and can even lead to blindness. While studies do not show that this side effect is common with fenoprofen (Nalfon), it should not be ruled out. If you notice blurred vision or any unusual eye irritation, you should talk with an eye specialist so they can do a thorough eye exam to make sure it's safe to continue using fenoprofen (Nalfon).
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) dosage
Typical dosage for Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Mild to moderate pain: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: The typical dose is 400 mg to 600 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times per day. The maximum dose is 3.2 grams by mouth per day.
Interactions between Fenoprofen (Nalfon) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Dicumarol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
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