Taro Etodolac

The usual recommended dose for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is 200 mg to 300 mg twice daily. Some people may find that 400 mg or 600 mg taken once daily in the evening works well. To minimize upset stomach and heartburn, take Taro Etodolac immediately after a meal, or with food or milk.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Taro Etodolac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Taro Etodolac at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Taro Etodolac is available as 200 mg capsules.

Etodolac should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to etodolac or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• currently has or recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestines, such as stomach or intestinal ulcer or Ulcerative Colitis
• has had an allergic reaction to acetylsalicylic acid (Asa) or other anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Asthma, itchy and runny nose, itchy skin rash, Hives, or other allergic reactions)

There may be an interaction between etodolac and any of the following:

• 5-ASA medications (e.g., Mesalamine, olsalzine, Sulfasalazine)
• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• alcohol
• Aliskiren
• aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., Amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin)
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors; e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril, ramipril)
• anticoagulants (e.g., Apixaban, dabigatran, , Rivaroxaban, Warfarin)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, etidronate, Risedronate)
• Celecoxib
• Cholestyramine
• Clopidogrel
• Colestipol
• Cyclosporine
• Dasatinib
• Deferasirox
• Desmopressin
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• drospirenone
• Eplerenone
• Haloperidol
• Heparin
• herbal products that affect blood clotting (e.g., cat's claw, chamomile, fenugreek, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, glucosamine, turmeric)
• Hydralazine
• Latanoprost
• lithium
• low-molecular-weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)Methotrexate
• other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Obinutuzumab
• omega-3 fatty acids
• Pentoxifylline
• Porfimer
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• sodium phosphates
• Tacrolimus
• tenofovir
• Ticagrelor
• Ticlopidine
• tipranavir
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• vancomycin
• Verteporfin
• vitamin E

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Taro Etodolac. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Taro Etodolac.

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

June 8, 2021

Health Canada has issued new information concerning the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Allergy: Some people who are allergic to other anti-inflammatory medications also experience allergic reactions to etodolac. Before you take etodolac, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially other NSAIDs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Anemia: As with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), etodolac can cause a reduced red blood cell count (anemia) or make existing anemia worse. If you have a history of anemia, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to determine your hemoglobin levels.

If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Bleeding: NSAIDs such as etodolac may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Be sure to tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon that you are taking Taro Etodolac. You may be asked to stop taking Taro Etodolac before surgery or dental procedures.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness have been reported by some people taking Taro Etodolac. Do not drive vehicles or undertake other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined that Taro Etodolac does not affect you in this way.

Fluid retention: As with many other NSAIDs, people have reported increased fluid retention while taking Taro Etodolac. People who have heart failure, high blood pressure, Kidney Disease, who are recovering from surgical operations under general anesthesia, or have any other condition that might lead to fluid retention should discuss with their doctor how Taro Etodolac may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Taro Etodolac, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause Taro Etodolac to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, heart failure, or you are taking diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, Indapamide) discuss with your doctor how Taro Etodolac may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Taro Etodolac, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

As with other NSAIDs, etodolac may cause kidney damage. If you experience signs of decreased kidney function, such as decreased urine production, difficulty urinating or blood in the urine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Some people taking NSAIDs such as etodolac have developed liver damage. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, itchy skin, pale stools, or dark urine. Your doctor may recommend regular liver function tests if you are taking Taro Etodolac for a long period of time.

Potassium: NSAIDs such as etodolac can increase blood levels of potassium. You doctor will check your blood potassium levels while you are taking Taro Etodolac. People with Diabetes, kidney failure, or who are seniors, or are taking certain medications (e.g., Ramipril, Amiloride) should discuss with their doctor how Taro Etodolac may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Taro Etodolac, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Ulcers: NSAIDs such as etodolac may increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestines. If you have had an ulcer, are at risk of experiencing an ulcer (e.g., are senior or smoke), or have medical conditions that make you prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines (e.g., Diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease), you should talk to your doctor how Taro Etodolac may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Taro Etodolac, and whether any special monitoring or treatment is needed.

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as dark tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting up of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Vision changes: Etodolac and other NSAIDs may cause blurred or reduced vision. Stop taking Taro Etodolac if you experience changes in vision and contact your doctor to have an eye examination arranged.

Pregnancy: The safety of using Taro Etodolac during pregnancy has not been established. Taro Etodolac should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Taro Etodolac, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if etodolac passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Taro Etodolac, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Taro Etodolac have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors who take Taro Etodolac should be closely monitored by their doctors. Seniors may be more likely to develop side effects and may require a lower dose due to decreased kidney and liver function.