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what is ketoprofen gel used for

Ketoprofen Gel: Uses, side effects, and Brand Information

Ketoprofen gel is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory formulation. It has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is used in a variety of conditions like arthritis, back pain, muscle pain and other inflammatory conditions. Fastum Gel is a popular ketoprofen gel brand name.

Oral ketoprofen has been long used to treat different conditions associated with pain and inflammation. But it has many systemic side effects, especially gastrointestinal disturbances. Fastum (ketoprofen 2.5) has become popular for getting effective pain relief with minimal systemic side effects. Ketoprofen gel minimizes the risk of side effects while also maintaining good clinical efficacy.

This article offers a comprehensive guide for what is ketoprofen gel used for, its effectiveness and ketoprofen gel side effects, so you can use ketoprofen gel safely and effectively.


Fastum Gel (Ketoprofen Gel 2.5 %)

Ketoprofen 2.5% is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is available as Fastum gel, the ketoprofen gel brand name. Fastum gel (Ketoprofen 2.5) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is used as an effective treatment for many inflammatory conditions.

Oral NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been used for decades for pain relief and treating inflammation. But these drugs can cause gastrointestinal disturbance and peptic ulcer disease. The use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) or anti-histamines like famotidine was necessary with oral ketoprofen to avoid serious and life-threatening hemorrhages and perforations.

Another advantage of topical formulations and their low systemic absorption is that they can also be used during pregnancy. Fastum gel (Ketoprofen Gel 2.5) has local action just like Vaniqa cream and hydroquinone cream. It is not absorbed in the blood, thus minimizing the risk of systemic adverse effects.

fastum gel ketoprofen 2.5


How Does Fastum Gel Work?

Fastum Gel (Ketoprofen 2.5) is applied to the skin on the area where pain relief is needed. The gel is then absorbed into the skin reaching the underlying tissue. Here, it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 enzymes. COX-2 enzyme synthesizes prostaglandins which lead to pain and inflammation. By inhibiting COX-2, ketoprofen decreases the production of the prostaglandins thus reducing pain and inflammation.


What Is Ketoprofen Gel Used For?

Ketoprofen gel uses range from pain relief to the treatment of many inflammatory and auto-immune conditions. Below is a detail of Fastum gel (ketoprofen 2.5) uses:

  1. Osteoarthritis: In osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones in a joint breaks down. This leads to swelling, pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Knees, hands and hips are most commonly affected. Application of ketoprofen gel alleviates the pain and reduces inflammation. Since ketoprofen gel provides targeted action and does not expose the entire body to the drug, the risk of systemic side effects is minimal.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the joints and joint damage leading to pain and swelling of the joint. Ketoprofen gel is used as a part of treatment regimen for rheumatoid arthritis. It does not treat the underlying cause, but it reduces pain and improves function. With relief from pain and improvement in joint function, the patient can have improved quality of life.
  3. Muscle Injuries and Strain: Ketoprofen gel is used for many kinds of muscle injuries and strain such as; muscle strain and sprains in athletes and laborers; and muscle injury due to road traffic accident and fall. It helps with recovery and early return to regular activities.
  4. Tendinitis and Bursitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons and bursitis is the inflammation of bursae (fluid filled sacs that cushion the joints). These conditions are very painful and cause significant disability. Ketoprofen gel is applied directly on the affected tendons and bursae to relieve and improve disability.
  5. Back Pain: Ketoprofen is very commonly used for back pain. Back pain can be due to muscle injury, strain or other degenerative or inflammatory conditions. Ketoprofen gel can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to relieve back pain.

Is Ketoprofen Gel Effective?

Clinical studies have shown that ketoprofen gel is an effective and safe treatment for pain relief and reducing inflammation. It showed significant effectiveness in muscle and soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis and back pain. While ketoprofen is not the first line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, it helps in managing pain and acute flare of rheumatoid arthritis.

A study compared ketoprofen gel with diclofenac and piroxicam. Ketoprofen showed better effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation.


What Are The Ketoprofen Gel Side Effects?

Following are the ketoprofen gel side effects:

  1. Skin irritation: Ketoprofen gel can cause skin irritation at the site of application. This can cause itching, redness and burning sensation. The irritation, however, is mild and resolves with the continuous use or discontinuation.
  2. Photosensitivity: An interesting side effect of ketoprofen gel is photosensitivity. Exposure of the treated area to direct sunlight of UV radiation can severe skin reaction and blistering. Patients are advised to use protective clothing and apply sunscreen before going in the sun.
  3. Contact dermatitis: It is an allergic skin reaction to ketoprofen gel. It causes itching and redness of the skin. If this happens, stop using ketoprofen gel and try alternative treatment.
  4. Systemic side effects: Although systemic side effects with ketoprofen gel are extremely rare, a small amount can get absorbed in the blood leading to systemic side effects. These systemic side effects include gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers and perforation, kidney damage and increase in cardiovascular risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ketoprofen Gel

What is Ketoprofen gel used for?

Ketoprofen is used for relieving pain and reducing inflammation in many musculoskeletal conditions. It is used in muscle and soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis and lower back pain.

What are the uses of Fastum Gel (Ketoprofen 2.5)?

Fastum Gel (Ketoprofen 2.5) is used for pain relief in lower back pain and soft tissue injuries like muscle injury and sprain. It is also used for reducing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis.

What are the possible side effects of Ketoprofen gel?

Possible side effects of Ketoprofen gel include skin irritation, photosensitivity and contact dermatitis. Systemic side effects are extremely rare and include gastrointestinal issues like stomach ulcers and perforation, kidney damage and increase in cardiovascular risk.

What are the different brand names of Ketoprofen Gel?

Different brand names of Ketoprofen Gel are Fastum gel, Ketoprofen Vita, Pronid gel, Ticon gel and Vopac.


References:

  1. Coaccioli S. (2011). Ketoprofen 2.5% gel: a clinical overview. European review for medical and pharmacological sciences15(8), 943–949. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21845805/
  2. Derry, S., Wiffen, P. J., Kalso, E. A., Bell, R. F., Aldington, D., Phillips, T., Gaskell, H., & Moore, R. A. (2017). Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults – an overview of Cochrane Reviews. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews5(5), CD008609. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2
  3. Haroutiunian, S., Drennan, D. A., & Lipman, A. G. (2010). Topical NSAID therapy for musculoskeletal pain. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)11(4), 535–549. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00809.x
  4. Sardana, V., Burzynski, J., & Zalzal, P. (2017). Safety and efficacy of topical ketoprofen in transfersome gel in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal care15(2), 114–121. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1163
  5. Patel, R. K., & Leswell, P. F. (1996). Comparison of ketoprofen, piroxicam, and diclofenac gels in the treatment of acute soft-tissue injury in general practice. General Practice Study Group. Clinical therapeutics18(3), 497–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(96)80031-2
  6. Povoroznyuk, V., Musiienko, A., Zaverukha, N., & Tkachuk , A. (2021). Efficacy and safety of Ketoprofen Gel treatment in patients with low back pain. PAIN, JOINTS, SPINE11(1), 28–34. https://doi.org/10.22141/2224-1507.11.1.2021.226906
  7. Otto, Filip, and Anna Froelich. 2024. “Microemulsion-Based Polymer Gels with Ketoprofen and Menthol: Physicochemical Properties and Drug Release Studies” Gels10, no. 7: 435. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070435
  8. Baudot, S., Milpied, B., & Larousse, C. (1998). Kétoprofène gel et effets secondaires cutanés: bilan d’une enquête sur 337 notifications [Cutaneous side effects of ketoprofen gels: results of a study based on 337 cases]. Therapie53(2), 137–144. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9773113/
  9. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3825, Ketoprofen. Retrieved October 17, 2024 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ketoprofen.

 

Post by:

Dermatologist Marcela J

 

 

 

 

 Dr.Marcella Jiovanni

Health and Beauty Expert

“Marcella Jiovanni actively promotes the importance of maintaining healthy skin, she envisions the future of dermatology as moving away from pure medical, pharmacological dermatology and flowing more toward a holistic approach to wellness and skincare.”