Indocin (Indomethacin) for Lupus

Overview
Indocin is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1965 to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also known by its drug name, Indomethacin. Indocin is used to treat pain, stiffness and discomfort caused by lupus in joints and other tissues.

Indocin should not be used by people who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Indocin may not be appropriate for pregnant women or children under the age of 15. Do not take Indocin while you are also taking aspirin or another NSAID drug. Indocin should be used with caution in smokers, diabetics, and people with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, or strokes.

Indocin is an NSAID. NSAIDs help reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Indocin is believed to work by inhibiting the production of chemicals that promote inflammation and blood clot formation in the body.

How do I take it?
Indocin can be taken orally as capsules or a liquid suspension, or rectally as suppositories. Your doctor will prescribe a dosage based on your needs. When taking NSAIDs, it is important to use the lowest dose that is effective and to take it for the shortest amount of time in order to avoid side effects.

People with lupus who take NSAIDs regularly should have their kidney function tested every three or four months.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Indocin.

Results
Studies have shown that as many as 75 percent of people with lupus take an NSAID every day. Of those, up to 3 percent experience gastrointestinal bleeds each year.

Side effects
Rare but serious side effects of Indocin may include an increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience pain in your chest or left arm, shortness of breath, numbness in your hands or feet, or sudden weakness on one side of your body.

Common side effects of Indocin include vomiting, rectal irritation, constipation, diarrhea, the sensation of full bowels, headache, dizziness, heartburn and ringing in the ears.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, black stools that appear bloody or tarry, a change in the amount of urine you produce, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), weight gain, skin problems such as rash or hives, mouth ulcers, weight gain, swelling, and fast heartbeat (tachycardia), or a stiff neck while taking Indocin.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue and throat.