Famotidine and Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen and famotidine tablet, a combination of the NSAID ibuprofen and the histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist famotidine, is indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers, which in the clinical trials was defined as a gastric and/or duodenal ulcer, in patients who are taking ibuprofen for those indications. The clinical trials primarily enrolled patients less than 65 years of age without a prior history of gastrointestinal ulcer. Controlled trials do not extend beyond 6 months.

Ibuprofen and famotidine tablet is a fixed-combination tablet of ibuprofen and famotidine. The ibuprofen component has analgesic, anti- inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of the ibuprofen component of ibuprofen and famotidine tablet, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Ibuprofen is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Ibuprofen concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because ibuprofen is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to an increase of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues.

Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of ibuprofen and famotidine tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use ibuprofen and famotidine tablets. Use ibuprofen at the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. The recommended daily dose of ibuprofen and famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg is a single tablet administered orally three times per day. Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets should be swallowed whole, and should not be cut to supply a lower dose. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets. Patients should be instructed that if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is due, the patient should not take the missed dose, and should be instructed to take the next dose on time. Patients should be instructed not to take 2 doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.

Ibuprofen and famotidine tablet is contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to ibuprofen or famotidine or any components of the drug product. History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients. In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Ibuprofen and famotidine tablet should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H 2 -receptor antagonists. Cross sensitivity with other H 2 -receptor antagonists has been observed.

Boxed warning (risk of serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events): Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Hepatotoxicity: Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop. Hypertension: Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure. Heart Failure and Edema: Avoid use of ibuprofen and famotidine tablets in patients with severe heart failure unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening heart failure.

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events GI Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation Hepatotoxicity Hypertension Heart Failure and Edema Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia Anaphylactic Reactions Seizures Serious Skin Reactions Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Fetal Toxicity Hematologic Toxicity Aseptic Meningitis Ophthalmological Effects Most common adverse reactions (≥1% and greater than ibuprofen alone) are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, and headache.

See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with ibuprofen. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Ibuprofen and Famotidine Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Ibuprofen and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of ibuprofen and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone.

Storage Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).