Suppositories are small, round or cone shaped objects that are inserted into the rectum that will dissolve or melt, releasing the medicine. Indocin is a medication consisting of a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called indomethacin. We carry Indocin suppositories in 50mg and 100mg. 

Indocin suppositories can be used for the relief of quite a few different painful conditions. These conditions include… Severe osteoarthritis; a condition that occurs when the tissue (cartilage) protecting your joints slowly wears away and allows the bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis; a condition in which your immune system “malfunctions” and instead of helping your body fight infections, it begins to attack the lining of your joints. This condition also causes pain, swelling and stiffness and may also lead to bone loss. Gouty arthritis; this arthritic condition is caused by uric acid build ups in the joints, usually when not enough uric acid is displaced through the urine. Gouty arthritis has the same painful symptoms of severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis (autoimmune disease);  Similar to rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system begins attacking healthy cells in your body instead of foreign ones. Not only does this condition cause the usual inflammation (pain, swelling and stiffness) but can also cause hair loss, rashes, fever and more. Additionally, Indocin suppositories can be used to treat shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendinitis. These conditions occur when a joint is over used, or can be caused by gout or an infection.

Indocin suppositories (indomethacin) is effective in treating conditions related to the joints because the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent is able to block the body’s natural production of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation to occur, decreasing any swelling and pain, allowing for a quicker healing progress.

Follow all the directions on your prescription bottle. These are the directions given to you by your doctor; ensure you follow their directions very carefully.

If you use this medication for the long term, you may need frequent medical tests; consult your doctor about which tests you may need.

If the suppository is too soft to insert, you may put it in cold water or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow it to harden.

Inserting the suppository

• Wash your hands
• Remove foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water
• Lie down on your side with your right knee bend up to your chest
• Push the suppository into the rectum using your finger
• Remain in lying position for roughly 2 minutes
• Wash your hands

Once insertion is complete, avoid having a bowel movement within 60 minutes of administering the medication to allow full absorption of the drug.

Indocin suppositories is a very beneficial medication, however, Indocin suppositories can result in conditions such as heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal and can occur to anyone using Indocin suppositories regardless of risk factors prior to using this drug. It is important you do not use Indocin suppositories before or after a heart bypass surgery.

Rarely, Indocin suppositories can cause stomach bleeding, which can turn fatal. This may occur suddenly without warning and is more likely to occur in those older in age.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to indomethacin or any of the in active ingredients found in Indocin suppositories. If you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking an aspirin or another NSAID, you should find an alternate medication as Indocin suppositories may not be safe for you.

To make sure this medication is safe and effective for your use, make sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all medical conditions, including if you have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, fluid retention, bleeding problems, stomach ulcers or bleeding, asthma, liver or kidney disease, or if you smoke.

Do not take this medication in the final 3 months of pregnancy; doing so may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It may not be safe to breast feed while using this drug, Avoid breast feeding until you have discussed with your doctor the benefits and risks of this drug on an nursing infant.

If you are female; this drug may affect your fertility (ability to have children) temporarily.

This medication should not be given to anyone under the age of 14 years old.

Common side effects of Indocin suppositories (indomethacin) may include:

indigestion, nausea; headache; or dizziness.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Indocin suppositories (indomethacin) may include:

a skin rash, no matter how mild; changes in your vision;

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

heart attack or stroke; chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

heart problems; swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

liver or pancreas problems; -loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, itching, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

stomach bleeding; bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

kidney problems; little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

anemia; pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Will this medication make me more sensitive to the sun?

Yes. Using Indocin of any form may cause sensitivity to sun. Avoid prolonged time in the sun, and if you have to be in the sun for long period of time, wear sun protective clothing, hats and wear sunscreen.

What is the dose recommended for an adult with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis?

An adult with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis would take 25mg twice a day, totaling a 50mg daily intake. If this dose is well tolerated, you may increase the total daily intake by 25mg – 50mg.

What are some other side effects of this medication?

Other (rare) side effects of this medication include cracks in the skin, dark urine, decreased appetite, red and irritated eyes, pain with swallowing, personality changes, seeing double, pounding in the ears, unpleasant breath odor, and swelling of the breasts in both males and females.

What are some drug interactions this medication has?

Other medications that may interact with Indocin suppositories include cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, probenacid, heart or blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and other NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen.