Etodolac Side Effects

Common side effects of etodolac include dizziness, stomach pain, or indigestion. A small percentage of people may experience rare side effects while taking the medicine, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, dry mouth, or increased liver enzymes. If you experience serious side effects, such as unexplained weight gain or blood in your urine, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

An Introduction to Etodolac Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with etodolac (Lodine®), but not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. In studies, up to 10 percent of people stopped taking etodolac because of side effects.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with etodolac. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects of Etodolac

There is a potential for serious side effects when taking etodolac.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using NSAIDs other than aspirin, including etodolac, may be at higher risk for heart attack or stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time.
 
These events can occur without warning and can lead to loss of life. Call 9-1-1 if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
 
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness on one part of your body
  • Slurred speech.
     
Other potentially serious etodolac side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Allergic reactions, such as:
 
    • Swelling of the face or body
    • Blisters
    • Unexplained skin rash
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing
 
  • Stomach or intestinal problems, including:
 
    • Bleeding
    • Ulcers
    • A hole (known as a perforation)
 
  • Liver damage, which can cause:
 
    • Nausea
    • Fatigue
    • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
    • Excessive tiredness
 
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Fluid retention or unexplained weight gain
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Feeling that the pill is stuck in your throat.
     
Because etodolac can increase the risk for major or life-threatening bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or have any of the following symptoms:
 
  • Bloody nose
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood in the urine or stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Red or purple spots on the skin.
 
Etodolac Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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