Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved etodolac oral tablet for management of the following conditions and symptoms in adults:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- acute (short-term) pain
This article describes possible side effects of etodolac oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for etodolac. You can explore this overview article to learn more about etodolac, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Etodolac oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Etodolac also comes in other forms that you swallow, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warnings
Etodolac has boxed warnings about the risks of serious digestive problems and serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
More common side effects of etodolac
Etodolac oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of etodolac oral tablet include:
- abdominal pain
- indigestion (upset stomach)
- nausea
- diarrhea
- gas
- dizziness
Mild side effects of etodolac
Etodolac oral tablet may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of etodolac oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- abdominal pain
- indigestion or heartburn
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- dizziness
- feeling weak or unwell
- rash or itching
- blurry vision
- tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears)
- urinating more often than usual
- nervousness
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of etodolac
Etodolac may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from etodolac oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with etodolac.
Serious side effects of etodolac oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- serious skin reactions
- blood problems, such as anemia (low level of red blood cells)
- bruising or bleeding more easily
- edema (fluid buildup in your body)
- high blood pressure
- heart failure
- liver problems
- kidney problems*
- risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems†
- risk of serious digestive problems†
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
† Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of etodolac
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of etodolac oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are side effects of etodolac similar to side effects of tramadol?
Etodolac and tramadol can cause some similar and some different side effects. These drugs are both pain relievers, but they belong to different groups. Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, while tramadol is an opioid. These drugs have different effects in your body.
Examples of similar mild side effects of etodolac and tramadol include:
- constipation
- heartburn
- nausea
- dizziness
- itching
- weakness
More serious side effects of these drugs tend to be different.
For example, etodolac can cause serious digestive side effects,* such as stomach ulcers. It can also cause serious heart and blood vessel problems* such as heart attack and stroke. For more adverse reactions, see the “Serious side effects of etodolac” section above.
Tramadol, on the other hand, can cause:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- serotonin syndrome
- breathing problems†
- risks of misuse and dependence†
Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. And with dependence, your body needs a drug to feel like it usually does.
To learn more about how etodolac and tramadol compare, talk with your doctor.
* Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
† Tramadol oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Can etodolac cause weight gain or weight loss?
It might. Weight gain and weight loss weren’t reported in studies of etodolac. But weight changes have been reported with etodolac since the medication has been marketed. It’s not known for sure whether etodolac caused these weight changes.
If you’re concerned about weight gain or weight loss with etodolac, talk with your doctor.
Does etodolac cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, etodolac oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with etodolac oral tablet include:
- serious digestive problems*
- serious heart and blood vessel-related events*
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- anemia (low level of red blood cells)
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with etodolac.
* Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section below.
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Side effects of etodolac in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of etodolac oral tablet.
Risk of serious digestive problems
Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In studies, serious digestive problems were rare in people taking etodolac oral tablet. These side effects can be life threatening or fatal.
With serious digestive problems, you may experience irritation to the lining of your stomach or intestine. This can lead to bleeding, ulcers (small sores), or tears in the lining of your stomach or intestine. Symptoms may include:
- vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
- passing black or tar-like stools
- severe abdominal pain
Certain factors can increase the risk of serious digestive problems with etodolac oral tablet. These include:
- being age 65 years or older
- reduced general health
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
- having past bleeding or ulcers in your stomach or intestine
- taking certain other drugs with etodolac, such as corticosteroids or blood thinners
- taking etodolac at a high dose or for a long time
Ways to manage
To reduce your risk of serious digestive problems, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose of etodolac for the shortest possible time. Do not take more than the dose prescribed.
If you have concerns about this side effect, talk with your doctor. If you experience symptoms of serious digestive problems, tell your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If you have serious digestive problems, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking etodolac.
Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems
Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. In studies, serious heart and blood vessel problems were rare in people taking etodolac oral tablet. These side effects can be life threatening or fatal.
With serious heart and blood vessel problems, you may have reduced blood flow to your heart or brain. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms may include:
- chest pain, pressure, or tightness that may spread to your neck, jaw, or arm
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- trouble speaking
- sudden weakness on one side of your body
Certain factors can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with etodolac oral tablet. These include:
- being age 65 years or older
- smoking
- heart disease
- having risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity
- recent heart attack
- having a coronary artery bypass graft (heart bypass surgery)
- taking etodolac at a high dose
Ways to manage
To reduce your risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose of etodolac for the shortest possible time. Do not take more than the dose prescribed. If you have concerns about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will likely not prescribe etodolac before or after heart bypass surgery. If you’re due to have heart surgery, ask your doctor whether you should stop taking etodolac.
If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
If you have a serious heart or blood vessel problem, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking etodolac oral tablet.
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Get free cardKidney problems
Kidney problems were rare in studies of people taking etodolac oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
With kidney problems, you may have reduced blood flow to your kidneys. This can cause kidney failure. Symptoms may include:
- dark-colored urine
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- confusion
- itching
- shortness of breath
- swollen ankles or feet
Certain factors can increase your risk of kidney problems with etodolac oral tablet. These include:
- being age 65 years or older
- already having kidney problems
- liver problems
- heart failure
- dehydration (low fluid level)
- taking certain other medications, such as diuretics or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
- taking etodolac at a high dose or for a long time
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of kidney problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend that you stop taking etodolac oral tablet.
Allergic reaction
For some people, etodolac oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to etodolac oral tablet, your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead.
Warnings for etodolac
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking etodolac oral tablet.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious digestive problems and serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take etodolac oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether etodolac oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking etodolac oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- heart disease, including past heart attack and heart failure
- high blood pressure
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- digestive problems
- blood clotting problems
- asthma
- being age 65 years or older
- past allergic reaction to etodolac or other drugs of this type (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Etodolac and pregnancy
Etodolac oral tablet should not be taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with etodolac.
Etodolac and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether etodolac oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Etodolac and alcohol
Etodolac oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol with etodolac may raise your risk of certain etodolac side effects. These include:
- nausea
- dizziness
- serious digestive problems*
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with etodolac oral tablet.
* Etodolac oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of etodolac in detail” section above.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of etodolac oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have a high risk of side effects with etodolac oral tablet?
- How long can I safely take etodolac oral tablet?
- Is it safe to take etodolac with my other medications?
- Can I do anything to lower my risk of side effects with etodolac?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.