Drug Database - Tiapreferic Acid

Generic Name: tiapreferic acid (tie-uh-pro-FEN-ick)

Brand Names: Surgam®

Classification: NSAID

This pain/arthritis medication belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is used for the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Important Facts

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:

• liver or kidney disease
• blood disorders
• ulcers
• heart disease
• alcohol use
• high blood pressure
• eye disease
• asthma
• nasal polyps
• any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib)

Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Alcoholic beverages will aggravate these effects. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, Avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps.

Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of this drug during the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

How To Take

Take this medication by mouth with food or immediately after a meal as directed. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose, take this more often or take this for longer than prescribed

If You Forget A Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

In Case of Overdose

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room IMMEDIATELY.

Symptoms may include:

• severe stomach pain
• coffee ground-like vomit
• dark stool
• ringing in the ears
• change in amount of urine
• unusually fast or slow heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• slow or shallow breathing
• confusion
• severe headache
• loss of consciousness

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hivess
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face
• lips
• tongue
• throat

One or more of the following may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• headache
• stomach upset
• nausea or diarrhea

Other side effects reported include:

• trouble sleeping
• irritability
• constipation
• dry mouth and increased sweating

If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor PROMPTLY if you develop any of the following:

• dark urine
• vomiting
• chest pain
• ringing in the ears
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• vision changes
• painful or difficult urination

• black stools
• persistent stomach/abdominal pain
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including:

• aspirin
• antacids
• digoxin
• water pills
• blood thinners
• oral diabetic medication
• steroids
• beta-blockers
• phenytoin
• methotrexate
• lithium

Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of all cough-and-cold products because they may contain aspirin (or aspirin-related drugs). Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.