Etodolac

CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS: Taking NSAIDs, including etodolac, has been found to increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal. This risk can begin as early as the first weeks of treatment with etodolac. In addition, the use of NSAIDs can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a risk factor for heart disease. Also, patients taking NSAIDs have an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure.

People with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and those taking high doses or prolonged treatment with etodolac are at an increased risk of these serious adverse events. To lower these risks, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose of etodolac for the shortest time to treat your condition. 

Before starting etodolac, tell your healthcare provider if you have heart disease a recent heart attack, or heart surgery. You should not take etodolac around the time of a coronary artery bypass graft (heart bypass surgery). 

Call 911 or seek emergency medical help if you develop chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, trouble speaking or walking, weakness on one side of your body, swelling or fluid retention, or sudden weight gain at any time during etodolac treatment.

GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS: Taking NSAIDs, including etodolac, increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. The risk is higher in people who take etodolac long-term but can also occur after short-term use of etodolac and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

People with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers) are up to 10 times more likely to develop stomach bleeding on NSAIDs. Taking other medications such as aspirin, corticosteroids, antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), and blood thinners can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, older age, and poor health status. 

Give your doctor a complete medical history and medication list before starting etodolac. Take the smallest dose of this medicine for the shortest time to minimize these risks. Avoid taking etodolac with other NSAIDs or a blood thinner. 

Stop taking etodolac and call your doctor right away if you notice signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as blood in vomit, coffee grounds vomit, black or tarry stools, persistent severe stomach pain, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.

KIDNEY DAMAGE: Taking etodolac can decrease blood flow to the kidneys and cause kidney injury. Elderly patients and those with preexisting kidney disease are at a greater risk of kidney damage. Other risk factors for renal toxicity include dehydration, heart failure, liver dysfunction, and the use of certain other medications such as diuretics (water pills) and ACE inhibitors. 

Tell your doctor if you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding with loss of body fluids while on etodolac. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any warning symptoms of kidney problems such as back pain, pain or difficulty with urination, or cloudy, bloody, or discolored urine.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Rarely, taking etodolac can cause a severe allergic reaction called an anaphylactoid reaction. Symptoms may include tightening of the throat, feeling short of breath, or having difficulty breathing. 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs, including aspirin. People who have aspirin sensitivity or, aspirin-sensitive asthma, frequent stuffy or runny nose, or nasal polyps are at an increased risk of this serious complication. 

Stop taking etodolac and seek emergency medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing. 

SERIOUS SKIN REACTIONS: In a small number of people, etodolac and other NSAIDs can cause a severe skin reaction such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), exfoliative dermatitis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These severe allergic reactions can occur without warning and are potentially fatal. 

Stop taking etodolac and seek emergency medical care if you develop signs and symptoms of a severe skin reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, blistering, or peeling skin. 

RISKS DURING PREGNANCY: Etodolac and other NSAIDs should not be taken in late pregnancy (in the third trimester or after 20 weeks) due to a risk of heart and kidney abnormalities in the unborn baby.