Norgesic Forte

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Norgesic Forte 50 mg/770mg/60 mg Tablets are indicated in: Symptomatic relief of mild to moderate pain of acute musculoskeletal disorders. The orphenadrine component is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of orphenadrine has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its analgesic properties. Norgesic Forte Tablets do not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Norgesic Forte Tablets: Adults 1/2 to 1 tablet 3 to 4 times daily.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Because of the mild anti-cholinergic effect of orphenadrine, Norgesic Forte Tablets should not be used in patients with glaucoma, pyloric or duodenal obstruction, achalasia, prostatic hypertrophy, or obstructions at the bladder neck. Norgesic Forte Tablets are also contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis and in patients known to be sensitive to aspirin or caffeine. The drug is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to the drug.

WARNINGS Reye’s Syndrome may develop in individuals who have chicken pox, influenza, or flu symptoms. Some studies suggest possible association between the development of Reye’s Syndrome and the use of medicines containing salicylate or aspirin. Norgesic Forte Tablets 50mg/770mg/60mg contain aspirin and therefore are not recommended for use in patients with chicken pox, influenza, or flu symptoms. Norgesic Forte Tablets may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle: ambulatory patients should therefore be cautioned accordingly. Aspirin should be used with extreme caution in the presence of peptic ulcers and coagulation abnormalities. Usage in Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including aspirin, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of Orphengesic Forte Tablets use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid Orphengesic Forte Tablets use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy [see WARNINGS; Fetal Toxicity]. Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including aspirin, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding other potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as aspirin, resulted in increased pre- and post-implantation loss. Prostaglandins also have been shown to have an important role in fetal kidney development. In published animal studies, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been reported to impair kidney development when administered at clinically relevant doses. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy, because NSAIDs, including Orphengesic Forte Tablets, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus (see WARNINGS; Fetal Toxicity). Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment If an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy, limit the use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. If Orphengesic Forte Tablets treatment extends beyond 48 hours, consider monitoring with ultrasound for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue Orphengesic Forte Tablets and follow up according to clinical practice (see WARNINGS; Fetal Toxicity). Data Human Data Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus : Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment: Published studies and postmarketing reports describe maternal NSAID use at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy associated with fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation. In many cases, but not all, the decrease in amniotic fluid was transient and reversible with cessation of the drug. There have been a limited number of case reports of maternal NSAID use and neonatal renal dysfunction without oligohydramnios, some of which were irreversible. Some cases of neonatal renal dysfunction required treatment with invasive procedures, such as exchange transfusion or dialysis. Methodological limitations of these postmarketing studies and reports include lack of a control group; limited information regarding dose, duration, and timing of drug exposure; and concomitant use of other medications. These limitations preclude establishing a reliable estimate of the risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes with maternal NSAID use. Because the published safety data on neonatal outcomes involved mostly preterm infants, the generalizability of certain reported risks to the full-term infant exposed to NSAIDs through maternal use is uncertain. Usage in Children The safe and effective use of this drug in children has not been established. Usage of this drug in children under 12 years of age is not recommended. Fetal Toxicity Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Avoid use of NSAIDs, including Norgesic Forte Tablets, in pregnant women at about 30 weeks gestation and later. NSAIDs including Orphengesic Forte Tablets, increase the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus at approximately this gestational age. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment: Use of NSAIDs, including Norgesic Forte Tablets, at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation. Oligohydramnios is often, but not always, reversible with treatment discontinuation. Complications of prolonged oligohydramnios may, for example, include limb contractures and delayed lung maturation. In some postmarketing cases of impaired neonatal renal function, invasive procedures such as exchange transfusion or dialysis were required. If NSAID treatment is necessary between about 20 weeks and 30 weeks gestation, limit Orphengesic Forte Tablets use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if Norgesic Forte Tablets treatment extends beyond 48 hours. Discontinue if oligohydramnios occurs and follow up according to clinical practice [see PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy]. Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in patients taking NSAIDs such as Orphengesic Forte Tablets. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling. Other clinical manifestations may include hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis. Sometimes symptoms of DRESS may resemble an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its presentation, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, discontinue and evaluate the patient immediately.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Side effects of Norgesic Forte Tablets are those seen with aspirin and caffeine or those usually associated with mild anticholinergic agents. These may include tachycardia, palpitation, urinary hesitancy or retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, dilation of the pupil, increased intraocular tension, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, and rarely, urticaria and other dermatoses. Infrequently, an elderly patient may experience some degree of confusion. Mild central excitation and occasional hallucinations may be observed. These mild side effects can usually be eliminated by reduction in dosage. One case of aplastic anemia associated with the use of Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin, and Caffeine Tablets has been reported. No causal relationship has been established. Rare G.I. hemorrhage due to aspirin content may be associated with the administration of Norgesic Forte Tablets. Some patients may experience transient episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness or syncope.