429871
429871
429871
PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
A colourless, almost transparent, non greasy, non staining gel, with an aromatic fragrance
for topical application.
CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1
Therapeutic indications
For the local relief of pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue injuries and acute
strains and sprains.
4.2
4.3
Contraindications
4.4
The gel should be used with caution in patients with reduced heart, liver or renal
function: isolated cases of systemic adverse reactions affecting renal function
have been reported.
The topical use of large amounts of product may give rise to systemic effects
such as hypersensitivity and asthma.
The treatment should be interrupted if rash appears.
The recommended length of treatment should not be exceeded due to the risk of
developing contact dermatitis and photosensitivity reactions increases over time.
Hands should be washed thoroughly after each application of the product.
Treatment should be discontinued immediately upon development of any skin
reaction including cutaneous reactions after co-application of octocrylene
containing products.
It is recommended to avoid exposure of treated skin to direct sunlight including
solarium (sunbeds), and to protect treated areas by wearing clothing during
treatment with the product and for two weeks following its discontinuation to
avoid the risk of photosensitisation.
Do not use with occlusive dressings.
The gel must not come into contact with mucous membranes.
Patients with asthma combined with chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and/or
nasal polyposis have a higher risk of allergy to aspirin and/or NSAIDs than the
rest of the population.
The use of topical products, especially if it is prolonged, may give rise to
phenomena of sensitisation or local irritation.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Paediatrics: The safety and efficacy of ketoprofen gel in children have not been
established.
4.5
4.6
Lactation
No data are available on excretion of ketoprofen in human milk. Ketoprofen is not
recommended in nursing mothers.
4.7
4.8
Undesirable effects
The most common adverse reactions are photosensitive reactions (phototoxic and
photosensitivity allergic reactions), the majority of which occurs after an incorrect
use of the product (exposure of the skin to sunlight or solarium before 15 days from
the last application, see sections 4.3 and 4.4). There have been reports of localised
skin reactions due to photosensitivity, including erythema, pruritus and burning
sensations, which might spread beyond the area of application. Cases of more severe
reactions such as bullous or phlyctenular eczema which may spread or become
generalized have occurred rarely.
Other systemic effects of anti-inflammatory drugs: hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal
and renal disorders (these depend on the transdermic spreading of the active
ingredient, hence on the amount of gel applied, on the surface involved, on the degree
of intactness of the skin, on the duration of the treatment and on the use of occlusive
bandages).
The below mentioned adverse reactions have been collected in the post-marketing
experience.
The following CIOMS frequency rating is used: Very common (1/10); common
(1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (1/1000 to <1/100); rare (1/10 000 to <1/1000);
very rare (<1/10 000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
4.9
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely to be caused by topical administration. If accidentally ingested,
the gel may cause systemic adverse effects depending on the amount ingested.
However, if they occur, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive in
accordance with overdosage of oral anti-inflammatories.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1
Pharmacodynamic properties
Ketoprofen is an inhibitor of both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis provides for potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and
antipyretic effects. Lipoxygenase inhibitors appear to attenuate cell mediated
inflammation and thus retard the progression of tissue destruction in inflamed joints. In
addition, ketoprofen is a powerful inhibitor of bradykinin (a chemical mediator of pain and
inflammation), it stabilises lysosomal membranes against osmotic damage and prevents the
release of lysosomal enzymes that mediate tissue destruction in inflammatory reactions.
5.2
Pharmacokinetic properties
Fastum gel allows the site specific topical delivery of ketoprofen with very low plasma
concentrations of drug. Therapeutic levels in the affected tissues provide relief from pain
and inflammation, yet will satisfactorily overcome the problem of significant systemic
unwanted effects.
5.3
PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1
List of excipients
Fastum gel contains the following excipients: carbomer 940, ethanol, neroli
essence, lavender essence, triethanolamine, purified water.
6.2
Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3
Shelf life
Tube:
60 months.
Dispenser:
6.4
24 months
6.5
6.6
10