Ketoprofen

What it is

Ketoprofen is a prescription-only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Like the rest of its class it inhibits cyclo-oxygenase and lowers prostaglandin production, which reduces pain and inflammation. It is used for painful and inflammatory conditions.

Used for

• Pain
• Inflammation

What to know while taking it

It is taken with food, since less prostaglandin also means less protection for the stomach lining, hence the bleeding warning; creatinine is followed because the same mechanism narrows the kidney's margin, and ALT because the liver handles the drug. Ketoprofen also makes skin much more sensitive to light, so sun and sunbeds can raise a burn or rash on exposed areas out of all proportion to the exposure, and covering up or staying out of strong sun is part of the course. It is not combined with warfarin, where bleeding risks add together, or with ibuprofen, which brings the same action and the same risks again.

When to see a doctor

Black or tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit, or stomach pain that does not settle mean a doctor rather than another dose. A blistering or spreading rash after sun exposure, and swelling with falling urine output, should also be seen.

Worth knowing

• Raises the risk of stomach bleeding
• Skin becomes light-sensitive
• Caution with kidney disease

Markers to watch

• Creatinine
• ALT