Relcofen

How does it work?

Relcofen tablets contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). (NB. Ibuprofen is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ibuprofen is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever.

Ibuprofen 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 in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins and are therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Ibuprofen also reduces fever by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Fever is associated with an increase in prostaglandins in the brain, and these prostaglandins cause the body temperature to increase. By reducing prostaglandins in the brain, ibuprofen lowers body temperature and hence reduces fever.

Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and related pain and so can be used to relieve muscular and rheumatic aches and pains. It can also be used to relieve other painful conditions such as headaches, migraine, toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) and period pain. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderate pain including rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains and strains, backache, neuralgia, migraine, headache, toothache, period pain

Feverishness and symptoms of colds and flu

Warning!

Ibuprofen is generally well-tolerated and most people do not experience any side effects. The most common side effects are related to stomach irritation and include abdominal pain, indigestion and nausea. These can mainly be avoided by taking the ibuprofen with food. Rarely, serious side effects such as ulceration or bleeding of the stomach or intestines may occur. These are more likely with high doses and in elderly people. If you experience any sign of bleeding from the stomach or bowels, such as vomiting blood and/or passing black/tarry/bloodstained stools, you should consult your doctor.

Very rarely, NSAIDS may cause serious blistering or peeling skin reactions (eg Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis). For this reason, you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you get a skin rash or sores inside your mouth while taking this medicine. This side effect is very rare, but if it occurs, is most likely to happen in the first month of treatment.

People with impaired kidney, liver or heart function who are taking this medicine should have their kidney function monitored.

Do not exceed the dose recommended in the leaflet supplied with the medicine.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Relcofen tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Other child-specific brands of ibuprofen may be more suitable for this age group - see end of factsheet for more details.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

History of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines

Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Heart failure

High blood pressure

People with blood clotting problems or taking anticoagulant medicines

History of asthma

History of allergies

Not to be used in

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)

Active peptic ulcer or bleeding from the gut

People who have had recurrent peptic ulcers or bleeding from the gut (two or more episodes)

People who have experienced bleeding or perforation of the gut as a result of previous treatment with an NSAID

Severe heart failure.

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 is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. This is particularly important in the first and third trimesters. If taken in the third trimester it may delay labour, increase the length of labour and cause complications in the newborn baby. Some evidence suggests that NSAIDs should also be avoided by women attempting to conceive, as they may temporarily reduce female fertility during treatment and may also increase the risk of miscarriage or malformations. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. However, as with all medicines, seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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