Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as ordered by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, divide, or chew it.

When used for severe or continuing arthritis, this medicine must be taken regularly as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Also, several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Children 6 to 16 years of age and older—Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 55 kilograms (kg) or more—1200 milligrams (mg) (four 300 mg capsules) once a day.
        • Weighing 32 to 54 kg—900 mg (three 300 mg capsules) once a day.
        • Weighing 22 to 31 kg—600 mg (two 300 mg capsules) once a day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 16 years of age and older—1200 milligrams (mg) (two 600-mg tablets) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children younger than 16 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—1200 milligrams (mg) (four 300 mg capsules) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.