mefenamic acid

• Risk factors: History of heart problems, including heart attack | Taking high doses of mefenamic acid (Ponstel) | Taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel) for a long time | History of heart bypass surgery

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. That’s why your pain specialist will recommend that you take it for the shortest possible time. If you have heart problems, talk to your care before starting this medication. Don't take mefenamic acid (Ponstel) if you've had or will be having heart bypass surgery. Call 911 or get immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

• Risk factors: History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Older adults | Taking other medications that raises the risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Having poor health | Bleeding problems | Liver problems

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers, which can be dangerous. There are many conditions and medications that raise your risk of this problem, so speak with your provider before starting this medication. Stomach bleeding and ulcers can occur without warning or symptoms, so it's best to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to minimize your risk. If you notice blood in your vomit, stool that looks like black coffee grounds, or if you have pain in your stomach that doesn't go away, stop taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel) and talk to your care team right away.

• Risk factors: History of liver damage | Taking other medications that can cause liver damage

Very rarely, mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause life-threatening liver damage. Your risk is higher if you take mefenamic acid (Ponstel) with other medications that can also cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Liver damage can happen with or without symptoms. Stop mefenamic acid (Ponstel) and talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool, and dark urine.

• Risk factors: Heart problems

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems or are taking blood pressure medications before starting mefenamic acid (Ponstel) to make sure it's safe for you. Your provider will check for heart problems before they prescribe this medication to you. If you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel), contact your care team.

• Risk factors: Kidney or liver problems | Heart failure | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems| Older adults | Loss of body fluid through conditions such as severe vomiting, bleeding, or diarrhea

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) 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), or have certain conditions (like kidney or liver problems and heart failure). Kidney damage is usually reversible once you stop taking mefenamic acid (Ponstel). This medication isn't recommended if you have very severe kidney problems, so discuss the risks and benefits of taking it with your pain specialist. Let your care team know if you notice a change in how often you urinate after starting mefenamic acid (Ponstel) as this can be a sign of kidney damage.

In addition, kidney damage from mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can also lead to high potassium levels. Sometimes, this medication can cause high potassium levels even in people with normal kidneys. If you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or tingling sensations in your muscles, tell your care team right away because it might be dangerous.

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

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause your airways to tighten, which might lead to severe asthma attacks. Be careful using this medication if you have asthma. People who've experienced asthma attacks triggered by aspirin (Aspir-Low) or other NSAIDs in the past should avoid mefenamic acid (Ponstel). Get medical help right away if your throat tightens and you can't breathe.

• Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy

Severe allergic reactions to mefenamic acid (Ponstel) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting mefenamic acid (Ponstel). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using mefenamic acid (Ponstel), call for medical help as soon as possible.

Although rare, mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. If you notice changes in your skin, stop using mefenamic acid (Ponstel) and get medical attention right away.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your obstetrician or pain specialist first about the risk and benefits of mefenamic acid (Ponstel) before using this medication. Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can cause harm to your unborn baby or complications during delivery, especially if taken during the second half of pregnancy.

• Risk factors: Taking with other blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin) | Taking with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) can raise your risk of bleeding, especially if you take other medications that cause bleeding. This 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 care team know.