Ketoprofen - Topical

Ketoprofen helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with conditions affecting joints or muscles (e.g. muscle strains or sprains, sports injuries).

Apply Ketoprofen exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a topical gel or plaster. Ketoprofen is to be applied to the skin.

To apply the topical gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Squeeze out the specified amount of gel from the tube.
3. Apply to clean, dry and intact skin of the affected area. Massage the treated area gently to enhance the absorption of this medicine into the skin.
4. Allow the gel to dry.
5. Wash and dry your hands after each application.

To apply the topical plaster, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Remove the plaster from the pouch and peel away half of the thin protective liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
3. Apply the plaster to clean, dry and intact skin of the affected area.
4. Peel away the other half of the liner.
5. Press firmly on the skin for several seconds to ensure that the plaster stays on the skin. Avoid wearing the plaster while bathing. If necessary, protect it from getting wet.

After applying Ketoprofen, do not cover, wrap or bandage the affected area unless instructed by the doctor.

Avoid any contact of this medicine with your eyes or mouth. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Ketoprofen or similar medicines such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of photosensitivity reaction (sensitivity to sunlight)
• skin problems on the affected area e.g. infected skin lesions, open wounds, acne (also known as pimples), eczema (patches of red and itchy skin)

as Ketoprofen may not be suitable for you.

Do not use Ketoprofen if you are in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Ketoprofen may cause harm to your unborn child.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• asthma
• heart problems
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are in your 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.

Do not apply on skin that is broken, infected, or discharging with fluid or pus.

Do not apply this medicine on the face and near eyes or eyelids unless instructed by your doctor.

Ketoprofen may cause any of the following side effects: skin dryness, redness, itching, irritation or swelling, and burning sensation on the application site.

If you develop any rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Ketoprofen may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps during treatment and 2 weeks after stopping the therapy.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:

• other NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, tiaprofenic acid, diclofenac
• other medications applied to the affected area e.g. creams, ointments, lotions, or cosmetics containing octocrylene
• methotrexate (medicine for cancer)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ketoprofen.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect topical plasters from direct sunlight.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.