Flurbiprofen (By mouth)

Introduction:

Flurbiprofen (flur-bi-PROE-fen)

Treats pain caused by arthritis and other medical problems. This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s):

Ansaid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
• Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), or a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®). Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], spironolactone, triamterene, or Lasix®), or a blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, timolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®) or a diabetes medicine (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, metformin, Diabinese®, Glucophage®, Glynase®, or Micronase®).
• Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not use this medicine during the later part of pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart or circulation problems.
• This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.
• This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. These problems can happen without warning signs. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner).
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Skin rash or blisters with fever.
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever, and lightheadedness.
• Sudden or severe headache.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
• Changes in your vision or sense of smell.
• Constipation, gas, or upset stomach.
• Headache.
• Mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Pain or burning when you urinate.
• Ringing in your ears.
• Sensitivity to sunlight.
• Stuffy nose or nosebleeds.
• Unusual drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or depression.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: