Recommended Application Frequency for Fastum (Ketoprofen) Gel

Fastum gel (ketoprofen) should be applied four times daily to the affected area for optimal therapeutic effect. 1

Evidence-Based Application Recommendations

Fastum gel (ketoprofen hydroalcoholic gel) has demonstrated clinical efficacy when applied four times daily for 4 weeks in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as knee osteoarthritis 1
Topical NSAIDs, including ketoprofen gel, are recommended as first-line pharmacological treatment for musculoskeletal pain due to their favorable safety profile compared to oral analgesics while providing effective pain relief 2
Studies comparing diclofenac gel with ketoprofen gel have shown equal efficacy between these treatments for musculoskeletal pain management 2

Topical NSAIDs like ketoprofen penetrate the skin, subcutaneous fatty tissue, and muscle in amounts sufficient to exert therapeutic effects on peripheral and central mechanisms without requiring high plasma concentrations 3
Ketoprofen gel formulations allow the drug to remain continually present in the tissue subjacent to the site of application, maintaining therapeutic tissue concentrations while keeping plasma concentrations low 3
The efficacy of Fastum gel is related to its ability to deliver ketoprofen through the skin to affected tissues, with studies showing it provides persuasive results in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions 1, 4

Topical ketoprofen has demonstrated significant effectiveness compared to placebo for reducing pain in chronic musculoskeletal conditions, with about 60% of participants experiencing much reduced pain in studies lasting 6-12 weeks 5
The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) for clinical success with topical ketoprofen in four trials (2573 participants) was 6.9 (95% CI 5.4 to 9.3), indicating good efficacy 5
Fastum gel has shown positive therapeutic effects in the treatment of occupational diseases of the locomotor and neuromuscular apparatus 4

Local skin reactions are the most common side effects with topical NSAIDs but occur at similar rates to placebo 2
Unlike topical diclofenac, topical ketoprofen does not show an increase in local adverse events compared to carrier or oral NSAIDs (moderate quality evidence) 5
Gastrointestinal adverse events are significantly less common with topical versus oral NSAIDs, making Fastum gel a safer option for patients with risk factors for NSAID-related complications 2, 5

Topical NSAIDs like Fastum gel are particularly valuable for elderly patients (≥75 years) and those with increased risk of renal adverse events, where they are preferred over oral NSAIDs 2
When a large number of joints are affected, systemic pharmacological treatment may be preferred over topical NSAIDs 2
Topical ketoprofen should be used at the lowest effective dose and for a limited duration when possible to minimize potential adverse effects 2

Apply Fastum gel as a thin film to the affected area, ensuring complete coverage of the painful region 1
The gel should be gently massaged into the skin until completely absorbed 3
Wash hands thoroughly after application unless the hands are the treatment area 2
Avoid application to broken or irritated skin to prevent increased absorption and potential irritation 2