Mechanism Of Action Of Ibuprofen:

• The main mechanism of action of NSAIDs is the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Cyclooxygenase is required to convert arachidonic acid into thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins. The body releases these substances in response to illness and injury.
• Ibuprofen reduces pain, fever, swelling, and inflammation

Therapeutic Indications Of Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• Ibuprofen is used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain including headache, toothache, muscle ache, backache, and menstrual cramps. It is also used to temporarily reduce fever.
• In addition, Ibuprofen is used for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation in arthritic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis…).

Method Of Administration Of Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• Take as indicated by your doctor.
• The tablets are for adults and adolescents. Do not use it in children younger than 6 years or who weigh less than 20 kg.
• Take it with or right after a meal.
• Do not use Ibuprofen for a long period of time.
• How much to take:

1. Adults and adolescents: the usual daily dose is 1-2 tablets, 3-4 times per day (every 6 hours). Do not exceed 1200 mg/day with 200 mg tablets, and 2400 mg/day with 400 mg or 600 mg tablets.
2. Children 6-12 years (> 20 kg): the usual dose is one 200 mg tablet 1-3 times per day. Do not exceed 3 tablets (600 mg) in one day.
3. Dosing in children depends on the child’s weight. The range is 5-15 mL, 3 times a day.

• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• Serious side effects:

1. Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers
2. Kidney problems
3. Severe skin reactions

• Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

1. Heartburn
2. Nausea
3. Diarrhea

• Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

1. Headache
2. Bleeding in the stomach
3. Ulcers in the stomach

• Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

1. Fluid retention (edema)
2. Rash
3. Inflammation of the stomach lining

• Other side effects include increased liver enzymes, anemia, ringing in the ears, tingling sensation,
• increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and heart problems.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Pain:

• Massage: A lot of people find relief from gentle massage, and some hospice agencies have volunteers who are trained in massage therapy.
• Relaxation techniques.
• Physical therapy
• Gel packs.

Warnings & Special Precautions While Taking Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• Talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions before taking this medicine including:

1. If you have chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or others.
2. If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
3. If you have problems with your blood cells.
4. If you have blood clotting problems.
5. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
6. If you have liver or kidney problems.
7. If you have asthma or other conditions where it is difficult to breathe.

• Ibuprofen and other similar medicines may cause ulcers, perforation, and bleeding in the stomach or intestines. These can be serious.
• Ibuprofen and other similar medicines are associated with a small increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, particularly when used in high doses for a long period of time.
• Ibuprofen interacts with a lot of medicines including:

1. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
2. Anticoagulants and anti-platelets
3. Diuretics
4. Lithium
5. Digoxin
6. Steroids
7. Methotrexate
8. Immunosuppressant medications
9. Some antibiotics
10. Medicines used for depression
11. Sulfonylureas
12. Fluconazole and Voriconazole
13. Some anti-viral medications
14. Gingko biloba (herbal product)

Storage Conditions Of Sapofen 400 Mg Tablets:

• Store below 25°c
• Don’t refrigerate
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.