Q. I have a lot of swelling and pain in my joints. A cousin with arthritis recommended a compounded cream called ketoprofen gel. What can you tell me about this medicine, its side effects and interactions with other drugs?
A. Ketoprofen, like ibuprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You won’t find this on the shelf in a chain store, but some pharmacists can compound this topical treatment without a prescription. Putting the pain reliever right on the joint minimizes side effects such as stomach irritation or elevated blood pressure. Many people find it is helpful in reducing joint pain.
