Ponstel Precautions and Warnings (Cont.)

Specific Ponstel Warnings and Precautions

People taking Ponstel should also be aware of the following warnings and precautions:
 
To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, people should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Also, call 911 or an ambulance if you notice things such as:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Weakness
    • Slurring of speech.
 
  • All NSAIDs, including Ponstel, may cause or worsen high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure.
     
  • All NSAIDs may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling. Also, Ponstel should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
     
  • All NSAIDs, including Ponstel, have been reported to cause problems in the stomach and intestines, including bleeding (known as gastrointestinal bleeding), stomach ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines (perforation). These problems can lead to serious complications or even loss of life. Extreme caution should be used if Ponstel is prescribed for people with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
To decrease the chances of these problems, you should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of stomach ulcers or bleeding, including:
    • Stomach pain
    • Indigestion
    • Black, tarry stools
    • Vomiting blood.
 
  • Kidney damage can happen in people taking NSAIDs, including Ponstel. It is more common in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitor medications, and the elderly.
     
  • Liver damage can occur with people who are taking Ponstel. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as:
 
    • Nausea
    • Tiredness
    • Lethargy
    • Itchy or yellowing skin (jaundice)
    • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
    • Flu-like symptoms.
 
  • NSAIDs, including Ponstel, have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as:
 
    • Hives
    • Unexplained rash
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Swelling of the face and throat.
 
  • In rare cases, people taking Ponstel can develop a serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking the medication and call your healthcare provider.
     
  • If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Ponstel. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting Ponstel.
     
  • NSAIDs have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting Ponstel and 12 weeks after treatment has started.
     
  • Ponstel has been known to cause anemia. If you are taking this drug for an extended amount of time and show signs of anemia, talk to your healthcare provider.
     
  • You should not take Ponstel with any other NSAIDs, as this may increase your risk for any of the problems discussed previously. Many NSAIDs are available with or without a prescription, so make sure to read labels carefully. A partial list of NSAIDs includes:
 
You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of these medications.
  • Ponstel is a pregnancy Category C medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should only take this drug if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to your unborn child. Ponstel is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy because it can cause injury (even death) to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your healthcare provider right away (see Ponstel and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • If you are nursing, you should not take Ponstel. Ask your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or discontinue the medicine.
     
(Ponstel Precautions and Warnings Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;