THE SAFETY OF KETOPROFEN USAGE IN DIFFERENT AGE

Ketoprofen, an NSAID, functions by blocking the COX 1 and 2 enzymes involved in producing prostaglandins, which are messengers responsible for inflammation. All NSAIDs inhibit this enzyme, leading to a reduction in inflammation symptoms. In Calabria, 3.69% of ADRs reported in the National Pharmacovigilance Network (RNF) relate to ketoprofen usage, with hospitalization required in only one case of a patient below the age of 12 due to severe pancreatitis. Ketoprofen is the 6th drug in Italy for ADR incidence, with 560 ADRs reported in 2012, of which 31% are severe. Although there is a high rate of spontaneous reporting, it must be noted that ketoprofen is one of the most commonly used NSAIDs. Therefore, like other frequently prescribed drugs (e.g., amoxicillin); the total number of ADRs should be considered in relation to its therapeutic use. However, the drug's safety in different ages and for vulnerable patients (such as children) remains a concern. This paper reviews the literature on the safety of ketoprofen in the elderly, children, and during pregnancy, presenting a retrospective study of ADRs reported in 2012.