About TOLMETIN
TOLMETIN belongs to a group of medications called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain, swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Besides this, it can also be used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children two years of age and older.
TOLMETIN contains Tolmetin, which works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger called prostaglandin, produced by COX-2, which is responsible for pain, swelling and inflammation. Thus, TOLMETIN effectively helps to manage pain in various conditions.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of TOLMETIN are diarrhoea, constipation, gas, weight gain or loss, headache, depression, skin irritation, ringing in the ears, ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking the TOLMETIN, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you have ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, severe liver and/or kidney impairment, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), uncontrolled blood pressure, or heart problems. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. TOLMETIN should not be taken around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless directed by your doctor. TOLMETIN may harm the fetus and create complications during delivery if taken about 20 weeks or later during pregnancy.
Uses of TOLMETIN
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children 2 years of age and older)
Medicinal Benefits
TOLMETIN contains ‘Tolmetin’, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It acts as both an analgesic (reduces pain) and an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) agent. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators. The blocking of COX-2 reduces the production of prostaglandins, eventually decreasing pain and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of TOLMETIN
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Weight gain or loss
Headache
Dizziness
Depression
Skin irritation
Ringing in the ears
Ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking TOLMETIN, inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, oedema (fluid retention), GI toxicity, rash, renal toxicities, and thrombosis (blood clots block your blood vessels). If you have recently had a heart attack, do not take an NSAID such as tolmetin unless your doctor tells you to. Inform your doctor if you or someone in your family has or has ever had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke, if you smoke, and if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one area or side of the body, or slurred speech.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: TOLMETIN may interact with other NSAID medications (e.g. naproxen, meloxicam, nabumetone), anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, aspirin), and immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate).
Drug-Food interactions: Consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
Drug-Disease interactions: TOLMETIN may interact with various disease conditions, including stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, fluid retention, GI toxicity, rash, renal toxicities, and thrombosis (blood clots block your blood vessels).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsuming alcohol along with TOLMETIN is not advisable.
Pregnancy
cautionTOLMETIN should not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing TOLMETIN.
Breast Feeding
cautionInform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
cautionTOLMETIN may cause dizziness. So, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking TOLMETIN.
Liver
cautionTOLMETIN should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing TOLMETIN. So, do not take TOLMETIN unless instructed by the doctor if you have a liver impairment/disorder history.
Kidney
cautionTOLMETIN should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with severe renal impairment. So, do not take TOLMETIN unless instructed by the doctor if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history.
Children
cautionTOLMETIN can be used in children two years and older to treat Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Maintain a healthy body weight because obesity can lead to joint pain. Please avoid strenuous exercise as it may aggravate your arthritis-related joint pain. Instead, you can stretch and engage in low-impact aerobic exercises such as treadmill walking, biking, and swimming. Lifting light weights can also help to improve your muscle strength.
Increase your intake of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, vitamin D, and calcium-rich supplements. Aside from that, turmeric and fish oils can help to reduce tissue inflammation.
Include fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines in your diet if you have arthritis or joint pain. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the reduction of inflammation (redness and swelling) and the protection of the heart.
Your sitting posture is critical, especially if you suffer from pain or inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short period of time (10-15 min). To alleviate pain, place a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve. In addition, if necessary, a footrest can be used.
Follow heat or cold therapy by applying a cold or hot compress to the joints on a regular basis for 15-20 minutes.
Relax by meditating, reading, taking a nice bubble bath, or listening to calming music.
Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Inform your doctor before taking the TOLMETIN if you have a history of a heart attack, bypass surgery or peripheral arterial disease.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the common type of arthritis in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones erodes due to wear and tear over time. Common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the joints and cause bone erosion leading to severe pain and swelling. It may lead to joint deformity if left untreated.
