Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved indomethacin oral capsule to relieve pain and inflammation due to certain types of arthritis and shoulder bursitis or tendinitis in people ages 15 years or older.
This article describes possible side effects of indomethacin oral capsule. You can explore this overview article to learn more about indomethacin, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Indomethacin oral capsule is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Indomethacin also comes in an injectable form, a rectal form, and other forms that you’ll swallow. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warnings
Indomethacin has boxed warnings about the risk of serious blood clots in the heart or blood vessels and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
More common side effects of indomethacin
Indomethacin oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of indomethacin oral capsule include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- indigestion
- nausea
Mild side effects of indomethacin
Indomethacin 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 indomethacin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fatigue
- headache
- indigestion
- nausea
- sleepiness
- stomach pain or discomfort
- tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- mild allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with indomethacin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Indomethacin oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of indomethacin
Indomethacin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from indomethacin oral capsule, 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 indomethacin.
Serious side effects of indomethacin oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
† Indomethacin oral capsule has a boxed warning for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with indomethacin oral capsule. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
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Common questions about side effects of indomethacin
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of indomethacin oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do side effects of indomethacin typically last?
Usually, mild side effects of indomethacin oral capsule may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. They get better as your body gets used to taking the medication. But, if your side effects are serious, your doctor will likely advise you to stop taking indomethacin.
If the side effects are bothersome or aren’t going away, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Does indomethacin cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, indomethacin oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.
Long-term side effects reported with indomethacin oral capsule include:
- eye problems that can affect your vision
- kidney damage
- serious blood clots in the heart or blood vessels*†
- serious digestive problems*†
* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
† Indomethacin oral capsule has a boxed warning for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section below.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of indomethacin may last.
Side effects indomethacin in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of indomethacin oral capsule.
Risk of serious blood clots in the heart or blood vessels
In studies, serious blood clots in the heart or blood vessels were rare in people taking indomethacin oral capsule. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including indomethacin, increases the risk of blood clots. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal.
Symptoms of heart attack or stroke may include:
- chest pain or discomfort
- drooping on one side of the face
- shortness of breath
- difficulty speaking
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Blood clots in the heart or blood vessels can happen early in treatment with indomethacin oral capsule. Certain factors can increase the risk of this side effect, including:
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, seek emergency medical care or call 911. If you have concerns about the risk of blood clots, talk with your doctor.
Risk of serious digestive problems
In studies, serious digestive problems were rare in people taking indomethacin oral capsule. Taking NSAIDs, including indomethacin, increases the risk of serious digestive system problems.
With serious digestive problems, you may experience bleeding, ulcers (sores), or holes in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These problems can be fatal. These can occur at any time during use and without warning.
Symptoms may include:
- abdominal or stomach pain
- blood in the stool or black, tarry bowel movements
- nausea
- vomiting blood
Certain factors can increase the risk of serious digestive problems with indomethacin oral capsule. These include:
- advanced liver disease
- alcohol use
- bleeding problems
- certain other medications
- high dosage of indomethacin
- long-term use of indomethacin
- older age
- past bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- past ulcers in the stomach or small intestines
- long-term health issues
- smoking
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of serious digestive problems, seek emergency medical care or call 911. If you have concerns about these problems, talk with your doctor.
Kidney damage
In studies, kidney damage was rare in people taking indomethacin oral capsule. Taking NSAIDs, including indomethacin oral capsule, can cause kidney damage in some people. This side effect may be serious and lead to kidney failure.
With kidney damage, you have waste and fluid that builds up in your body.
Symptoms may include:
- changes in how often you urinate
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- swelling in the feet or ankles
Certain factors can increase the risk of kidney damage with indomethacin oral capsule. These include:
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of kidney damage, seek immediate medical care. If you have concerns about kidney damage, talk with your doctor.
For some people, indomethacin oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
- 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 indomethacin oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for indomethacin
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking indomethacin oral capsule.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious blood clots in the heart or blood vessels and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of indomethacin in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take indomethacin oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether indomethacin oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking indomethacin oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Indomethacin and pregnancy
Indomethacin oral capsule should not be taken after 29 weeks of pregnancy. It’s not known whether it should be taken earlier in 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 indomethacin.
Indomethacin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether indomethacin oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Indomethacin oral capsule is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking indomethacin oral capsule increases the risk of serious digestive problems. This includes bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about avoiding alcohol while taking indomethacin oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of indomethacin oral capsule. 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:
- Am I at higher risk of side effects from indomethacin oral capsule than other people?
- What can I do to reduce my risk of side effects from indomethacin oral capsule?
- How can I manage some of the common side effects of indomethacin oral capsule?
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.
