Flurbiprofen Sodium

What do flurbiprofen tablets do? FLURBIPROFEN (Ansaid(R)) is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Flurbiprofen is used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis (rheumatism) such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Flurbiprofen is also used to treat other conditions associated with inflammation and/or pain (e.g., menstrual cramps, muscular pain). Generic flurbiprofen tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take flurbiprofen? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, cigarette smoker, dental disease, drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day, heart or circulation problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, nasal polyps, stomach or intestinal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet, an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding.

How should I take this medicine? Take flurbiprofen tablets by mouth. To lessen stomach upset, take flurbiprofen tablets with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What other medicines can interact with flurbiprofen?  Agents that treat or prevent blood clots, alcohol,
 alendronate, aspirin and aspirin-like medicines, cyclosporine, herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba, lithium, methotrexate, other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone), water pills (diuretics).
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking flurbiprofen? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: blood in urine, black, tarry stools, change in the amount of urine passed, confusion, dark yellow or brown urine, difficulty breathing, pain on swallowing, skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or itching, stomach pain or cramps, swelling of eyelids, throat, or lips, symptoms of bronchitis or other respiratory infection, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, gas or heartburn, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, weight gain.

What do I need to watch for while I take flurbiprofen? Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain or swelling continues. Do not take flurbiprofen with other pain-killers or antiinflammatory drugs without advice. To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take flurbiprofen with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how flurbiprofen affects you.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from flurbiprofen. If you get black, tarry stools or vomit up what looks like coffee grounds, call your prescriber or health care professional at once. You may have a bleeding ulcer.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking flurbiprofen. Fenoprofen can cause you to bleed more easily. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (66—77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.