FENAMIN 250 contains mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) with antipyretic (helps against fever) and analgesic (pain-killing) properties. It is used for the relief of mild to moderate pain and relief of swelling and inflammation.
1. What FENAMIN 250 is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take FENAMIN 250
Do not take FENAMIN 250
- If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to or have had an allergic reaction to mefenamic acid or aspirin or other related painkillers (NSAIDs), or any other ingredient in FENAMIN 250 (listed in section 6).
- If you have ever had symptoms of bronchospasm, allergic rhinitis, or urticaria after using a NSAID.
- If you have or ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding due to the use of NSAIDs.
- If you have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (inflammatory conditions of the small intestine or colon).
- If you have epilepsy (a disorder that causes seizures).
- If you have a liver or kidney problem.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have are being treated for pain after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- If you are pregnant, do not use NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in your pregnancy unless specifically advised to do so by your health care professional because these medicines may cause problems in your unborn baby.
3. How to take FENAMIN 250
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always take FENAMIN 250 exactly as describe in this leaflet or as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
The usual adult dose is:
- Relief of mild to moderate pain: 500 mg three times a day.
- Acute pain: An initial dosage of 500 mg, thereafter 250 mg every 6 hours.
FENAMIN 250 should not be given for longer than 5 days.
If you take more FENAMIN 250 than you should
In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If you forget to take FENAMIN 250
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, if within a few hours after missing a dose. If you only remember about the missed dose the following day, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
4. Possible side effects
FENAMIN 250 can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for FENAMIN 250 are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking FENAMIN 250, please consult your healthcare provider for advice.
If any of the following happens, stop taking FENAMIN 250 and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing;
- rash and itching;
- severe skin reactions.
These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to FENAMIN 250. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
- Pass blood in your faeces (stools);
- pass black tarry stools;
- vomit any blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds;
- unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, or bruising;
- hallucinations;
- medicines such as FENAMIN 250 have been associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke;
- blood disorders, kidney problems, liver problems may occur rarely with FENAMIN 250;
- FENAMIN 250 has also been shown to sometimes worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or colitis.
These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
5. How to store FENAMIN 250
Store in a cool dry place at or below 25 °C. Protect from light. Do not store in a bathroom. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets). Keep in original packaging until required for use. STORE ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.