Generic name: flurbiprofen [ flure-BI-proe-fen ]
Brand name: Ansaid
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is flurbiprofen?

Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Flurbiprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flurbiprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Flurbiprofen may cause serious side effects. Stop using flurbiprofen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your vision;

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of flurbiprofen may include:

• indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• confusion, tremors, feeling nervous;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• increased sweating, itching or rash; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Flurbiprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use flurbiprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Flurbiprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Flurbiprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Flurbiprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using flurbiprofen, especially in older adults.

You should not use flurbiprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• fluid retention.

Do not use flurbiprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take flurbiprofen?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

If you use flurbiprofen long term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Flurbiprofen dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

200 mg to 300 mg orally per day in 2 to 4 divided doses
Maximum single dose: 100 mg

Comments:
-Once response to therapy is determined, dose and frequency should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to suit individual patient treatment goals.

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

200 mg to 300 mg orally per day in 2 to 4 divided doses
Maximum single dose: 100 mg

Comments:
-Once response to therapy is determined, dose and frequency should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to suit individual patient treatment goals.

Uses: For the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, gabapentin, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, duloxetine, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, diclofenac, naproxen

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking flurbiprofen?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to flurbiprofen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect flurbiprofen?

Ask your doctor before using flurbiprofen if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using flurbiprofen with any other medications, especially:

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect flurbiprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Which painkiller should you use?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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