Astofen-R Capsule is used to reduce and relieve pain and inflammation (swelling) associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Astofen-R Capsule may also be indicated in the treatment of pain associated with post-traumatic and post-operative cases.

Astofen-R Capsule combines two drugs: Aceclofenac (painkiller) and Rabeprazole (antacid). Aceclofenac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme that makes other chemical prostaglandins. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced. This helps reduce mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Aceclofenac has been reported to cause gastric discomfort and acidity. Hence, it is combined with Rabeprazole, a medicine belonging to a group of proton pump inhibitors that reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes, thus preventing damage to the stomach. Thus, the combination helps alleviate pain with minimal gastric irritation caused by Aceclofenac alone.

Take Astofen-R Capsule as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Astofen-R Capsule for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, dizziness, nausea and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Astofen-R Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Before taking the Astofen-R Capsule , let your doctor know about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from kidney, liver, or heart disease. Astofen-R Capsule may cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert. Astofen-R Capsule is not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Astofen-R Capsule as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.

Astofen-R Capsule is a combination of two drugs: Aceclofenac (painkiller) and Rabeprazole (antacid). Aceclofenac belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (pain killers) that block the effect of a chemical messenger in your body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical 'prostaglandins' (PG). Prostaglandins play an important role in controlling pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer PGs are produced. Thereby, it helps relieve pain and swelling associated with different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone). On the other hand, Rabeprazole belongs to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that help reduce the excess amount of stomach acid and bile produced. Aceclofenac has been reported to cause gastric discomfort and acidity. Hence, it is combined with Rabeprazole, a medicine that reduces the amount of acid made by the stomach, thus preventing damage to the stomach. Thus, the combination is superior as it helps alleviate pain with minimal gastric irritation caused by Aceclofenac alone. Astofen-R Capsule is also used to relieve toothache and lower back, ear, and throat pain. 

• Indigestion

• Stomach pain

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

Do not take Astofen-R Capsule if you are allergic to Astofen-R Capsule , have severe heart failure, suffered bleeding problems (such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any pain killers) or liver or kidney problems, have suffered bleeding problems and clotting problems. Inform your doctor before taking Astofen-R Capsule if you have or had disorders of the stomach, blood circulation problems to the brain, asthma, porphyria (a disorder in the formation of red blood pigment), diabetes, high blood pressure, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, fever and skin rashes), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss); if you are recovering from major surgery or if you are elderly. Do not take Astofen-R Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Astofen-R Capsule contains Aceclofenac which should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Astofen-R Capsule may be excreted in breastmilk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding and consult a doctor. Astofen-R Capsule should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Astofen-R Capsule can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol with Astofen-R Capsule as it could lead to increased drowsiness and increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Do not take other NSAIDs for pain relief or Astofen-R Capsule unless prescribed. Prolonged intake of PPIs or proton pump inhibitors like Rabeprazole may cause brittle bones so intake of Vitamin D and calcium can be additionally given by your doctor while using Astofen-R Capsule . 

Drug-Drug Interactions: Astofen-R Capsule interact with other painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, oxycodone, tramadol, naproxen, celecoxib, etoricoxib), blood thinners (clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin), medicines used to treat heart diseases (digoxin), diuretics (furosemide, amiloride), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin), antihypertensive (enalapril, valsartan, telmisartan, losartan, candesartan, propranolol, enalapril, lisinopril, methyldopa, clonidine, moxonidine), antidiabetics (glibenclamide, gliclazide, tolbutamide), antidepressants (fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine), steroids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus), anti-HIV (zidovudine).

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Astofen-R Capsule as it might cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Astofen-R Capsule may have interactions with asthma, heart, liver, and kidney problems, low vitamin B12 (anaemia), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, fever and skin rashes), porphyria (a disorder in the formation of red blood pigment), colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss).

• ASPIRIN
• IBUPROFEN
• ACETAMINOPHEN
• OXYCODONE
• TRAMADOL
• NAPROXEN
• ETORICOXIB
• CLOPIDOGREL
• HEPARIN
• WARFARIN
• DIGOXIN
• FUROSEMIDE
• AMILORIDE
• CIPROFLOXACIN
• NORFLOXACIN
• MOXIFLOXACIN
• OFLOXACIN
• LEVOFLOXACIN
• ENALAPRIL
• VALSARTAN
• TELMISARTAN
• LOSARTAN
• CANDESARTAN
• PROPRANOLOL
• LISINOPRIL
• METHYLDOPA
• CLONIDINE
• MOXONIDINE
• GLIBENCLAMIDE
• GLICLAZIDE
• TOLBUTAMIDE
• FLUVOXAMINE
• PAROXETINE
• CITALOPRAM
• ESCITALOPRAM
• SERTRALINE
• FLUOXETINE
• HYDROCORTISONE
• PREDNISOLONE
• CICLOSPORIN
• TACROLIMUS
• ZIDOVUDINE

• Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.

• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.

• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.

• Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.

• Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.

• Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.

• Foods containing flavonoids such as soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea help in reducing inflammation.

• Include high fibre-containing foods, berries, cherries, leafy green veggies, and black peppers in your meal. These foods are full of antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin B12 that can help cope with the long-term effects of the medicine. Fermented dairy products like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics that help in the prevention of excess stomach acid production.

• Avoid intake of acid or heartburn triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and high-fat and spicy foods.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Prolonged use of Aceclofenac in Astofen-R Capsule may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack known as myocardial infarction, so if you have any heart-related problems before using Astofen-R Capsule , let your doctor know about this. 

• Astofen-R Capsule contains Aceclofenac which should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Astofen-R Capsule should not be used by anyone less than 18 years of age. 

• Astofen-R Capsule contains Rabeprazole which may cause kidney problems in rare cases, so if you are urinating less than usual, or have blood coming in your urine, let your doctor know about this.

• Prolonged intake of PPIs or proton pump inhibitors like Rabeprazole may cause diarrhoea, autoimmune disease (lupus) and brittle bones. So tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age; the older you are, the more likely you are to get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include past injuries such as torn cartilage and dislocated joints and ligaments. 

Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function. 

Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints or other parts of the body. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.