FLURBIPROFEN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ansaid

GENERIC NAME(S): FLURBIPROFEN

 

Description: Flurbiprofen is an nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Onset: Approx 1-2 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Food may alter rate of absorption. Time to peak plasma concentrations: Approx 1-2 hr.

Distribution: Distributed into breast milk (small amounts). Plasma protein binding: Approx 99%. Volume of distribution: 0.12 L/kg.

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism mainly by hydroxylation (via CYP2C9 isoenzyme) and conjugation.

Excretion: Via urine (as metabolites). Plasma half-life: Approx 3-6 hr.

Flurbiprofen is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

 

If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.

 

OTHER USES:

This medication may also be used to treat arthritis of the spine or gout attacks.

 

How to use flurbiprofen

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using flurbiprofen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

 

Take 50 mg of this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.

 

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than recommended because this may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Do not take more than 100 milligrams as a single dose.

 

It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefits take effect when this drug is taken regularly.

 

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including flurbiprofen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).

 

Also, this drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning symptoms at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. (See also Precautions and Drug Interactions sections.)

 

Stop taking flurbiprofen and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: bloody or black/tarry stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

 

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication.

 

Pregnancy Risk: Category C (Risk cannot be ruled out)

Upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

 

 

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

 

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • stomach pain,
  • swelling of the hands or feet,
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain,
  • vision changes,
  • hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears),
  • mental/mood changes,
  • fast/pounding heartbeat,
  • persistent/severe headache,
  • fainting,
  • difficult/painful swallowing, unusual tiredness.

 

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck, slurred speech.

 

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking flurbiprofen and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

 

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

 

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking flurbiprofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

 

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).

 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), heart disease (e.g., history of heart attack), stroke, high blood pressure, swelling (edema, fluid retention), blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

 

Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including flurbiprofen. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual change in the amount of urine.

 

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

 

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

 

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

 

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems.

 

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.

 

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

Interactions

 

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide).

 

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

 

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketorolac). These drugs are similar to flurbiprofen and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed or shallow breathing.

 

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

 

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, complete blood counts, liver and kidney function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

 

Non-drug treatment for arthritis as approved by your doctor (e.g., weight loss if needed, strengthening and conditioning exercises) may help improve your flexibility, range of motion, and joint function. Consult your doctor for specific instructions.

 

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

 

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

 

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

 

Brands

 

There are no brands containing this molecule.

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