Ketoprofen ER, Ketoprofen Cap

Introduction

Written by Melanie Sangobowale, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP 
Updated on October 16, 2023

Ketoprofen (kee toe PROE fen) is a generic medication prescribed to lower inflammation (swelling) and pain in certain conditions. Ketoprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ketoprofen for use in people with:

• rheumatoid arthritis 
• osteoarthritis 
• pain 
• menstrual cramps and pain

These approved uses differ based on the form of ketoprofen your doctor prescribes.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of ketoprofen. To find coupons for ketoprofen extended-release oral capsule, see this article. 

Boxed warnings

Ketoprofen has boxed warnings about the risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for ketoprofen” section.

Common questions about ketoprofen

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about ketoprofen.

Does ketoprofen come as a topical gel or topical patch?

No, ketoprofen does not come as a topical gel or topical patch. (Topical products are applied to your skin.) These forms have been discontinued and are no longer approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The only available forms are the ketoprofen oral capsule and the ketoprofen extended-release (ER) oral capsule. (With extended-release, the drug is released over time in your body.)

If you have questions about the forms of ketoprofen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Is ketoprofen similar to ibuprofen?

Yes. Both ketoprofen and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) belong to the group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs work by reducing pain and inflammation (swelling). 

Ketoprofen is a generic drug that’s only available by prescription. Ibuprofen can be purchased over the counter and is available as a generic or brand-name version. Your doctor can also prescribe ibuprofen as a prescription drug.  

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

If you have questions about how these medications compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

How does ketoprofen work? And how long does it take to start working?

Ketoprofen belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs. It works by reducing pain and inflammation. It does this by lowering prostaglandin levels in the body, which eases inflammation. (Prostaglandins are substances that can increase your body’s inflammatory response.)

Ketoprofen oral capsule starts to relieve symptoms after 30 minutes. Ketoprofen ER oral capsule can take around 2–3 hours before you notice relief. 

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Side effects of ketoprofen

Ketoprofen may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of ketoprofen and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about ketoprofen’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for ketoprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with ketoprofen are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about ketoprofen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ketoprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of ketoprofen oral capsule and ketoprofen extended-release* oral capsule include:

• upset stomach 
• other digestive side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
• headache
• mild allergic reaction†

* With extended-release, the drug is released over time in your body.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ketoprofen” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of ketoprofen are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about ketoprofen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ketoprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number. 

In general, ketoprofen’s serious side effects include:

• irregular heartbeat  
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• boxed warnings: risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems*
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ketoprofen” section.

Uses of ketoprofen

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as ketoprofen for certain conditions. Approved uses for ketoprofen are described below. These uses differ based on the form of ketoprofen prescribed.

Use for certain types of arthritis

Doctors may prescribe ketoprofen oral capsule or oral extended-release (ER)* capsule for treating certain types of arthritis. These include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation (swelling) and pain in the joints. The whole body can be affected, and symptoms can be mild or severe. Symptoms can get better or worse during periods of remission (times when symptoms ease). 

Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) joint condition. Symptoms may include joint pain and stiffness, decreased range of motion, and inflammation. This condition is usually caused by normal wear and tear to the joints, an injury, or getting older. 

Doctors may not prescribe ketoprofen ER oral capsule in certain situations, such as for acute (sudden) pain.

* With extended-release, the drug is released over time in your body.

Use for pain

Doctors may prescribe ketoprofen oral capsule for treating different types of pain. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Pain is described as an uncomfortable sensation in the body. Each person experiences pain differently, and there are several types of pain, such as acute (sudden), chronic (long-term), and neuropathic (nerve-related).

Use for painful periods

Doctors may prescribe ketoprofen oral capsule for treating painful menstrual cycles. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With painful menstrual cycles, you may experience severe pain, cramping, and discomfort. These severe symptoms may cause you to miss work or school or perform daily activities. 

Interactions and warnings for ketoprofen

Below, you’ll find information about ketoprofen’s possible interactions and warnings. 

Interactions of ketoprofen

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction. 

Before you take ketoprofen, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for ketoprofen” section below.

Warnings for ketoprofen

Some people should not take ketoprofen, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Ketoprofen has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Heart and blood vessel problems include heart attack and stroke. These problems can occur with long-term use of ketoprofen. They were reported in some studies* of ketoprofen.

Heart attack symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, trouble breathing, and pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm. Symptoms of stroke may include changes in your balance, eyes, face, arms, and speech. Heart attack and stroke are serious medical emergencies. Immediately call 911 or a local emergency number if you experience symptoms of heart attack or stroke.

Ketoprofen should not be used in people who are undergoing heart bypass surgery. 

If you have concerns about heart and blood vessel problems with ketoprofen, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different drug for your condition. Or they’ll advise you to take the lowest recommended dose of ketoprofen for the shortest amount of time. This is to help lower the risk of experiencing this side effect.  

Risk of serious digestive problems. Serious digestive problems include inflammation (swelling), bleeding, and ulcers (sores) of the stomach and intestines. This can occur with long-term use of ketoprofen. This side effect was common in studies* of ketoprofen.

Symptoms may include sharp stomach pain, bloody vomit, or dark, tarry stool. These symptoms can be life threatening. 

If you have concerns about the risk of serious digestive problems with ketoprofen, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different drug for your condition. Or they’ll advise you to start treatment with the lowest recommended dose of ketoprofen for the shortest amount of time. This is to help reduce the risk of experiencing digestive problems. 

* For details about ketoprofen’s studies, see its prescribing information in the “Resources” section.

Other warnings

Ketoprofen could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether ketoprofen is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of ketoprofen you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for ketoprofen, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Ketoprofen can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to ketoprofen or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe ketoprofen. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems 

If you have an allergic reaction to ketoprofen, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of ketoprofen

If you take ketoprofen by mouth, you should not take more ketoprofen than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much ketoprofen, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and ketoprofen

Information about ketoprofen and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Ketoprofen and pregnancy

There are risks to taking ketoprofen during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged inflammation (swelling) or pain while pregnant. (Keep in mind that ketoprofen is used for managing inflammation and pain.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about inflammation and pain treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take ketoprofen during pregnancy.

Ketoprofen and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether ketoprofen should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. 

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about ketoprofen or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Should I take ketoprofen oral capsule with food? 
• Will ketoprofen cure my arthritis? 
• Can I take ketoprofen and ibuprofen at the same time? 

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Ketoprofen- ketoprofen capsule. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d0f47ab6-29ff-df07-e053-2a95a90a2b51/spl-doc
• Ketoprofen- ketoprofen capsule, extended release. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/198a4140-f4c0-4478-9157-ee1d68d0bb96/spl-doc

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.