Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Meclomen

Generic Name: meclofenamate (Pronunciation: me kloe fen AM ate)

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

What is meclofenamate (Meclomen)?

Meclofenamate is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meclofenamate works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Meclofenamate is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Meclofenamate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of meclofenamate (Meclomen)?

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 meclofenamate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas;
• dizziness, headache, nervousness;
• skin itching or rash;
• dry mouth;
• increased sweating, runny nose;
• blurred vision; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about meclofenamate (Meclomen)?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking meclofenamate. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

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