Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Duexis

Generic Name: famotidine and ibuprofen (Pronunciation: fam OH ti deen and EYE bue PROE fen)

• What is famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• What are the possible side effects of famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• What is the most important information I should know about famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• How should I take famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Duexis)?
• What happens if I overdose (Duexis)?
• What should I avoid while taking famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• What other drugs will affect famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?

Famotidine is a histamine blocker. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Famotidine and ibuprofen is a combination drug. Ibuprofen treats the symptoms of arthritis. Famotidine helps reduce the risk of ulcers in the stomach or intestines that can be caused by long-term use of ibuprofen.

Famotidine and ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking famotidine and ibuprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• sweating, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort that may spread to the arm, shoulder, back, or jaw;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, redness or swelling in your face, redness or swelling of your hands or feet, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
• severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• bloating, gas;
• headache;
• throat irritation;
• blurred vision, changes in color vision; or
• mild back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about famotidine and ibuprofen (Duexis)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), famotidine (Pepcid), aspirin, other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or other stomach acid reducers (such as Tagamet, Zantac, or Axid).

Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, nasal polyps, liver or kidney disease, lupus, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Also tell your doctor if you smoke.

Ibuprofen may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use famotidine and ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Ibuprofen may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

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