cafegoddess

I hurt my back in Paris and I was prescribed a muscle relaxer called Bi-Pro fenid. I tried goggling but everything that came up was in French. I would like to ask my doctor if he is familar with this pill because I am having the same problem again. I personall think this medicine is a miracle drug. After a taking about three pills, I am pretty much back to normal.

I am not a big pill taker but sometimes the pain is a little bit too much. I want to have my ducks in order before I see my doctor. I am hoping he can prescribe the same medicine to me.
If you can help me, I would really appreciate it.

Alec

It's called Ketoprofen in US, with a number of proprietary names.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketoprofen

Alec

It's a NSAID, similar kind of drug to ibuprofen, indometacin and diclofenac, to reduce pain and inflammation.

cafegoddess

Thanks Alec.

ruecharlot

It's actually called bi-profenid (no space), and as pointed out it's an anti-inflammatory and NOT a muscle relaxant.

Also, by the way, it is available in topical form as opposed to pills (at least here in France). Personally, I prefer the topical form as you can focus the drug where it is needed.

And as a final note, I hope the doc also prescribed some bodywork (stretching/strengthening/massage/chiro) as there's usually a root cause and without treating that it will keep coming back.

cafegoddess

ruecharlot,

Thank you for clerifying for me. The doctor in Paris told me it was a muscle relaxer, I like because it works quickly.

I have increased my yoga practice unfortunately, I reinjured myself lifting a 45 pounds box of pineapples.

Echnaton

In my experience, Tetrazepam is the best muscle relaxant. However, do not take it longer than three days - it is addictive.

HappyTrvlr

I have taken foreign prescriptions to my local pharmacy and they always have found a US Rx name or equivalent for me

DerViking

I use Soma as a muscle relaxant and it works like a charm. http://www.drugs.com/soma.html

But I do remember being in Paris once with my sister and getting her cough drops (pastilles contre la toux) that had Belladonna in them and she was very happy. I don't think anything like that would be available here.

cafegoddess

Echnaton,

Thanks for the warning regarding Tetrazepam.

michele_d

Hi cafegoddess,
I too take diclofenac and consider it to be nothing short of a miracle drug. It is a non steroidal anti inflammatory. I received no relief from ibuprofen, but within two days of starting the diclofenac/voltaren I was no longer in pain.

I have had to take it daily for 7 years now for an early onset type of arthritis. I have no pain whatsoever now whereas before I could barely function due to the pain.

It is good stuff! And doesn't make me drowsy like muscle relaxants do.

Good luck,
Michele