Oruvail gel

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > O



How does it work?

Oruvail gel contains the active ingredient ketoprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation.

Ketoprofen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Ketoprofen blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

When ketoprofen is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area. The gel should be gently massaged into the skin over the affected area.

Small tubes (30g) of Oruvail gel can be bought from pharmacies to relieve local pain and inflammation resulting from non-serious arthritis, rheumatism, and muscular aches, pains and swellings, for example sports injuries or back pain. Larger tubes of Oruvail gel are only available on prescription.

What is it used for?

- Backache
- Rheumatic pain
- Pain from non-serious arthritis
- Muscle pain
- Sprains, strains and sports injuries

Warning!

- Keep this gel away from naked flames.
- This preparation is for external use only.
- Do not apply the gel to broken, diseased, infected or irritated skin, or to open wounds.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes, genitals and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- You should not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
- Avoid exposing the areas of skin you have treated to bright sunlight, sunlamps or sunbeds while you are using this medicine, and for two weeks after stopping treatment. This is because it may increase the risk of sunburn.
- If you develop a skin rash while using this medicine, stop using it and consult your doctor.
- If symptoms persist for longer than seven days consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

- Severely decreased kidney function
- History of ulceration or bleeding in the stomach or intestines

Not to be used in

- Children under 12 years of age
- Broken, irritated, infected or diseased skin
- People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema)
- History of asthma or allergic diseases

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Ketoprofen may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. However, the manufacturer of this medicine states that it should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Skin reactions such as itching, irritation, redness and rash
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved