What is Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Flurbiprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Flurbiprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Flurbiprofen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use flurbiprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking flurbiprofen, especially in older adults.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to flurbiprofen, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease; or
• a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a flurbiprofen dose adjustment or special tests:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure
• a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding
• liver or kidney disease
• asthma
• polyps in your nose
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
• if you smoke

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking flurbiprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Do not take flurbiprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

Flurbiprofen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Ansaid Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking flurbiprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• pain, burning, or bleeding when you urinate
• swelling, rapid weight gain
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas
• dizziness, headache, nervousness
• skin itching or rash
• dry mouth
• increased sweating, runny nose
• blurred vision; 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.

Ansaid Interactions

What other drugs affect Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with flurbiprofen may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin
• a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• steroids (prednisone and others)
• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others
• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others; or
• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with flurbiprofen. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or pain medicine. Many medicines available over the counter contain medicines similar to flurbiprofen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

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

Ansaid Dosage

How should I take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The maximum amount of flurbiprofen for adults is 400 milligrams (mg) per day. Know the amount of flurbiprofen in the specific product you are taking.

If you take flurbiprofen for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, urinating less than usual or not at all, shallow breathing, and fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com