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Indomethacin Coupon - Indomethacin 50mg suppository

indomethacin suppository

Generic Indocin
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pain, Congenital Heart Defect
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pain, Congenital Heart Defect

Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Last reviewed on October 17, 2023
basics-icon

What is Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository?

What is Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository used for?

How Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository works

Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or better known as an NSAID. It works by blocking proteins in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX) that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. This helps lessen inflammation, swelling, and pain from your condition.

Are you looking for information on indomethacin capsules and oral suspension (Indocin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIndocin
Drug ClassNSAID
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$11384.64(save 93.03%)
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$793.22
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What are the side effects of Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository?

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

Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Rectal irritation
  • Frequent urge to have a bowel movement without actually having one

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Heart failure: trouble breathing, swelling, fast heartbeat, sudden weight gain
  • Stroke: sudden confusion, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body or face, slurred speech
  • Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
  • Serious kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
  • Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
  • Serious skin reactions: skin reddening, skin peeling, blisters, rash

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

Acid or sour stomach

belching

diarrhea

heartburn

indigestion

nausea

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

vomiting

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramping, burning, or tenderness

back or leg pains

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloody or black, tarry stools

blue lips and fingernails

blurred vision

breast enlargement and tenderness

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

burning upper abdominal or stomach pain

canker sores

change in consciousness

change in hearing

chest pain, discomfort, or burning

clay colored stools

cloudy or bloody urine

confusion

continuing diarrhea

cough or hoarseness

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

cracks in the skin

dark urine

decreased appetite

decreased vision or any change in vision

depression

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dilated neck veins

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

double vision

dry mouth

extreme fatigue

false sense of well-being

feeling of unreality

feeling of warmth

fever with or without chills

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

general body swelling

greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

hair loss

headache

heavier menstrual periods

increased hunger

increased sweating

increased thirst

increased urination

irregular breathing

irritation and swelling of the eye

jerky movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck

joint pain

large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

loss of balance control

loss of bladder control

loss of consciousness

loss of hearing

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

mask-like face

mood swings

muscle aches, pains, or weakness

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

nervousness

noisy, rattling breathing

nosebleeds

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pain in the ankles or knees

pain or discomfort in the upper stomach or throat

pain with swallowing

painful or difficult urination

painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs

pale skin

persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose

personality changes

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, swollen skin

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

scaly skin

seeing double

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

sense of detachment from self or body

severe constipation

severe mental changes

severe or continuing stomach pain

shuffling walk

skin rash, hives or welts, itching

slow, fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

slowed movements

slurred speech

small red or purple spots on the skin

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth

stiffness of the arms and legs

sudden loss of consciousness

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs

swollen or painful glands

tightness in the chest

trembling and shaking of the fingers and hands

troubled breathing at rest

troubled breathing with exertion

unexplained weight loss

unpleasant breath odor

unsteadiness or awkwardness

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vaginal bleeding

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion about identity, place, and time

severe headache

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

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

Mild headache

Less common

Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hearing loss

irritability

loss of interest or pleasure

sleepiness

trouble with concentrating

Rare

Anxiety

bloated or full feeling

changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

involuntary muscle movements

lightheadedness

passing gas

sensation of spinning

tiredness

trouble sleeping

trouble with speaking

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository

thumbs-up

Pros

Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Can treat many different types of arthritis

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose

Might need to take multiple times per day

Not available over-the-counter

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository

pharmacist
  • Before using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository, make sure to unwrap any packaging first. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to use suppositories.

    • After removing an indomethacin (Indocin) suppository from its packaging, moisten the suppository with water or a lubricating gel to help make it easier to insert into your rectum. Let your provider know if the suppository keeps coming out. You might need a different form of this medication.

      • Once you've inserted the indomethacin (Indocin) suppository into the rectum, it will dissolve and get absorbed into your body. You don't need to remove it from your rectum.

        • Contact your provider if you experience any pain or rectal bleeding from using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

          • Make sure to check with your provider before starting any new medications. Taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository with other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, can lead to more side effects. Your provider can check for interactions between indomethacin (Indocin) suppository and your other medications.

            • Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of indomethacin (Indocin) suppository if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medication can cause harm to babies, and it can also make it harder to get pregnant. It's not known whether the medication is safe to use while breastfeeding.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository

              How long does it take for indomethacin (Indocin) suppository to work?
              After you insert an indomethacin (Indocin) suppository into the rectum and it dissolves, the time it takes for most of the medication to get absorbed into the bloodstream is typically less than 2 hours. But you might not notice symptom relief for days or weeks after you start using this medication. This is because inflammation can take some time to go away. Stay in touch with your provider about how well the indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is treating your symptoms. This helps your provider make sure you're getting the treatment you need.
              Can you take indomethacin (Indocin) suppository with ibuprofen (Motrin)?
              Don't take other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Motrin), at the same time as indomethacin (Indocin) suppository unless you've discussed this with your provider first. Taking multiple NSAIDs at the same time can lead to more side effects, such as stomach bleeding and kidney damage. And taking more than one NSAID might not help with your pain any better. Talk to your provider about changing your dose or switching to another treatment option if you're not getting enough relief from indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.
              Is indomethacin (Indocin) suppository a steroid?
              No. Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both NSAIDs and steroids can help lessen inflammation, but they work in different ways to do so.
              Is indomethacin (Indocin) suppository safe to take during pregnancy?
              It's not recommended to take indomethacin (Indocin) suppository after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Taking NSAIDs, including indomethacin (Indocin) suppository, after this time can lead to a higher risk of kidney problems in the unborn baby. In addition, taking NSAIDs after 30 weeks of pregnancy can cause heart defects in the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository with your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
              Do you need to keep indomethacin (Indocin) suppository in the refrigerator?
              Yes. Make sure to store unopened indomethacin (Indocin) suppository in the refrigerator. If you leave them outside of the refrigerator, they could start to break apart and be harder to use.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository?

              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository 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.

              risk-warning

              Stomach bleeding and ulcers

              • Risk factors: Older adults | History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository for a long time

                Taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository raises your risk for serious stomach or gut problems, including bleeding and ulcers (sores). In some cases, these problems can be life-threatening. Serious stomach or gut problems can happen at any time and with or without symptoms while you're taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

                Your risk for stomach bleeds might be even higher if you're also taking other medications that can raise your risk for stomach bleeds, such as aspirin, other NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, and blood thinners (anticoagulants). Discuss all of your conditions and medications with your providers before you start indomethacin (Indocin) suppository so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach or gut bleeds. Get medical attention right away if you vomit blood, have bloody or dark stools, feel faint, or have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away while you're using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

                risk-warning

                Heart attack and stroke

                • Risk factors: History of heart problems | At risk for heart problems | Taking high doses of indomethacin (Indocin) suppository | Taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository for a long time | Recent or planned heart surgery

                  Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. To lower your risk, take indomethacin (Indocin) suppository at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Don't take indomethacin (Indocin) suppository if you've recently had or will be having heart surgery. Call 911 if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

                  risk-warning

                  High blood pressure and heart failure

                  • Risk factors: History of heart problems | History of high blood pressure

                    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can raise your blood pressure. The medication can also put you at risk for heart failure and hospitalization from complications. This is because indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. Before starting indomethacin (Indocin) suppository, tell your providers if you have a history of heart problems (especially heart failure) or if you're taking blood pressure medications so they can make sure it's safe for you.

                    Be sure to check your blood pressure while you're taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository and tell your provider if you notice any changes. Also contact your provider if you experience chest pain with physical activity, swelling, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, or sudden weight gain while you're taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. These can be signs of fluid buildup or heart failure.

                    risk-warning

                    Liver problems

                    • Risk factors: History of liver problems

                      Rarely, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical help right away if you notice swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); nausea; vomiting; confusion; or dark or brown urine. These can be signs of liver damage.

                      risk-warning

                      Kidney damage and high potassium levels

                      • Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | Taking certain high blood pressure medications, such as water pills, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs | Loss of body fluid through conditions such as severe vomiting, bleeding, or diarrhea | Using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository for a long time

                        Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can damage your kidneys by slowing down blood flow to the kidneys. The risk is higher if you're taking certain blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or water pills). Your risk might also be higher if you have certain conditions (like kidney or liver problems and heart failure). This medication isn't recommended if you have very severe kidney problems, so discuss the risks and benefits of taking it with your provider. Tell your provider if you notice a change in how often you urinate after you start indomethacin (Indocin) suppository since this can be a sign of kidney damage. Kidney damage is usually reversible once you stop taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

                        In addition, kidney damage from indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can also lead to high potassium levels. Sometimes, this medication can cause high potassium levels even in people with healthy kidneys. Call your provider right away if you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or tingling sensations in your muscles because it can lead to dangerous health problems.

                        risk-warning

                        Severe allergic reactions

                        • Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy

                          It's possible to have a severe allergic reaction to indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. These can include life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Before starting indomethacin (Indocin) suppository, let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Seek medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing after you use indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

                          Rarely, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause serious skin reactions. Stop using the medication and get medical help as soon as possible if you notice skin changes such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling.

                          risk-warning

                          Severe asthma attack

                          • Risk factors: Asthma | Stuffy nose with or without nasal polyps | Allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs

                            Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause your airways to tighten, which might lead to severe asthma attacks. Because of this risk, be careful using this medication if you have asthma. You should avoid taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository if you have asthma or asthma attacks after taking aspirin or other NSAID in the past because severe asthma attacks might be more likely to happen when you use indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. Get medical help right away if your throat tightens and you can't breathe.

                            risk-warning

                            Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems

                            • Risk factors: History of mental health problems | Epilepsy | Parkinson's disease

                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause certain nervous system conditions and mental health problems to get worse. People with conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease might notice more symptoms while they're taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. And people with mental health problems, such as depression, might notice their condition getting worse. Let your provider know right away if you notice any changes to your mental health, have seizures, or experience more symptoms of your nervous system condition while you're taking indomethacin (Indocin) suppository.

                              risk-warning

                              Harm to unborn babies

                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository can cause harm to your unborn baby or complications during delivery if it's taken during the second half of pregnancy. Before using indomethacin (Indocin) suppository, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using the medication if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Ask whether there are safer alternatives.

                              dosage

                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository dosage forms

                              The average cost for 15 suppositories of 50mg of Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is $793.22 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.03% off the average retail price of $11384.64.
                              suppository
                              Suppository
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              50mg15 suppositories$793.22$52.88

                              Typical dosing for Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository

                              The dosing listed here is for the oral indomethacin capsules, which is used as a guideline for the suppositories.

                              Each suppository contains 50 mg of indomethacin, so your dosage might differ. The suppository is inserted into the rectum. Follow your provider's dosage instructions carefully.

                              • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: The typical dose is 25 mg two or three times a day. Your provider might raise your dose up to 200 mg per day depending on how you respond to the medication.

                              • Shoulder pain: The typical dose is 75 mg to 150 mg per day, split up into 3 or 4 doses throughout the day. This should be continued until your symptoms have gotten better for several days; this typically takes 7 to 14 days.

                              • Gouty arthritis: The typical dose is 50 mg three times a day until your pain improves.

                              More on Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository dosage forms

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository and other drugs

                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              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.

                              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.

                              contraindications-icon

                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
                              Used for:
                              $793.22 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Used for:
                              $8.92 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Montford, J. R., et al. (2017). How dangerous is hyperkalemia? Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

                              Pahwa, R., et al. (2023). Chronic inflammation. StatPearls.

                              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Drug Safety Communication - Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later.

                              View All References (2)
                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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