Indomethacin Rectal Suppository (INDOMETHACIN - RECTAL)

Instructions

This medicine is for use in the rectum. DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. However, do not get up right away to wash your hands if you are supposed to lie down for a period of time to give the medicine time to work.

Wash the area and pat dry before applying the medicine.

Lie on your left side, with your right knee bent toward your chest. Or, you may kneel on both knees, with your arms folded on the floor with your head resting on your arms.

Unwrap the suppository and moisten it with a few drops of cool water. Insert the pointed end into the anus, and push it all the way in with your finger.

If the suppository becomes soft, you can make it firmer by refrigerating it. You can run it under cold water if the suppository is wrapped.

If your dose is one-half (1/2) suppository, carefully cut it lengthwise using a clean, sharp knife.

Try not to have a bowel movement for at least 1 hour after using this medicine.

Some brands of this medicine must be stored in the refrigerator while others may be kept at room temperature. Please speak with your pharmacist about how you should store your medicine.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may cause bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have pain in the stomach, red or dark tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• dizziness or drowsiness
• heartburn
• high blood pressure
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• bleeding from rectum
• chest or jaw pain
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever
• swelling in the neck or throat
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• rectal burning or irritation
• ringing in the ears
• shortness of breath
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.