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Overview: Orphengesic Forte is used short-term to relieve muscle, bone, and joint pain. It works by decreasing inflammation and changing how your body senses muscle pain. Common side effects include dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Orphengesic Forte affects you.

Uses

What is Orphengesic Forte used for?

Orphengesic Forte (orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine) is commonly used for pain relief related to short-term musculoskeletal conditions. These are conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints of your body.

Orphengesic Forte may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Orphengesic Forte work (mechanism of action)?

Orphengesic Forte may work by decreasing inflammation and changing how your body senses muscle pain.

How is Orphengesic Forte supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Orphengesic Forte

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg/770 mg/60 mg oral tablets

How should I store Orphengesic Forte?

Orphengesic Forte should be stored below 86 F (30 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Orphengesic Forte?

The most common side effects of Orphengesic Forte are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Increased heart rate
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Difficulty peeing
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness 
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness

There may be other side effects of Orphengesic Forte that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Orphengesic Forte?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Orphengesic Forte are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Orphengesic Forte may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Risk of Misuse. Misusing Orphengesic Forte can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take Orphengesic Forte exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that Orphengesic Forte is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Increased energy or excitement
  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Stomach Bleeding. Orphengesic Forte can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of Orphengesic Forte or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking Orphengesic Forte and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Orphengesic Forte?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Orphengesic Forte.

  • Orphenadrine
  • Caffeine
  • Aspirin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Orphengesic Forte.

Glaucoma. Orphengesic Forte should not be taken if you have glaucoma. 

Gut Blockage. Orphengesic Forte should not be used if you have certain types of intestinal obstruction. 

Esophagus or Stomach Problems. Orphengesic Forte should not be used if you have a condition called pyloric obstruction or achalasia (trouble swallowing food or liquids). 

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Orphengesic Forte should not be used if you have bladder obstruction and have trouble peeing. 

Enlarged Prostate. Orphengesic Forte should not be taken if you have an enlarged prostate (such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). 

Myasthenia Gravis. Orphengesic Forte should not be taken if you have myasthenia gravis. 

What should I know about Orphengesic Forte before using it?

Do not take Orphengesic Forte unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Orphengesic Forte with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Orphengesic Forte out of the reach of children.

Orphengesic Forte is usually used with rest, physical therapy, or other measures to help with discomfort related to painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Orphengesic Forte can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Orphengesic Forte affects you.

People who are aged 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Orphengesic Forte. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Orphengesic Forte is usually only taken short term. Your healthcare provider may run certain blood tests if you take this medicine long term.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Orphengesic Forte?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Orphengesic Forte is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Viral Infection. Taking Orphengesic Forte can lead to Reye’s syndrome in people with a recent viral infection. Viral infections can include chicken pox, influenza, or flu-like symptoms. 

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Orphengesic Forte may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Orphengesic Forte, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take Orphengesic Forte at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking Orphengesic Forte during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Orphengesic Forte while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Orphengesic Forte passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Orphengesic Forte while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Orphengesic Forte?

For more information about Orphengesic Forte, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.orphengesicforte.com.

Interactions

Does Orphengesic Forte interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Orphengesic Forte and foods. 

Orphengesic Fortes contains caffeine. Taking Orphengesic Forte with caffeinated drinks may increase your risk of certain side effects, such as increased heart rate and feelings of a skipped heartbeat.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Orphengesic Forte. The risk of drowsiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Orphengesic Forte.

Does Orphengesic Forte interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Orphengesic Forte. 

  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Orphengesic Forte. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally take too much Orphengesic Forte?

If you or someone else has taken too much Orphengesic Forte, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Orphengesic Forte?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.