Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

To use the disintegrating tablet:

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet.
  • Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to use it.
  • Peel back the foil on the blister to remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
  • Place the tablet in your mouth or onto your tongue. It should melt quickly. Swallow the melted tablet with or without drinking any liquid.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For osteoarthritis:
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):
    • For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Children 2 years of age and older and weighing 60 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 7.5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age and weighing less than 60 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—At first, 7.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 15 mg once a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
    • For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 0.125 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 7.5 mg once a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—At first, 7.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 15 mg once a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.