$Unique_ID{BRK03164} $Pretitle{} $Title{flurbiprofen} $Subject{Ansaid Upjohn Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic flurbiprofen inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis osteoarthritis prostaglandins} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. flurbiprofen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Ansaid (Upjohn) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT flurbiprofen DOSAGE FORM Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from heat and direct light. USES Flurbiprofen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and stiffness) of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Flurbiprofen has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how flurbiprofen works. TREATMENT You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream quickly. However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take this medication with food or antacids. Always follow your doctor's directions. It may take up to two weeks before you feel the full effects of this medication. Flurbiprofen does not cure arthritis or osteoarthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. It is important to take flurbiprofen on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, headache, or dizziness. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; difficult or painful urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing, or ringing or buzzing in your ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet or hands; chest tightness; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weight gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Flurbiprofen interacts with several other medications: 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Aspirin, other salicylates, and other anti-inflammatory medications can increase stomach irritation. Aspirin may also decrease the effectiveness of flurbiprofen; therefore, it should not be used concurrently with flurbiprofen. 3. Flurbiprofen may block the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol. 4. The activity of diuretics (water pills) may be inhibited by flurbiprofen. 5. Flurbiprofen may alter a diabetic patient's response to insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Before starting to take flurbiprofen, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to flurbiprofen or to any of the other chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or tolmetin). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If flurbiprofen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. These should, therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * The elderly may be at increased risk for side effects. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant. This medication can cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow of the fetus. Studies in animals have also shown that this medication, if taken late in pregnancy, may increase the length of pregnancy, prolong labor, or cause other problems during delivery. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of flurbiprofen can pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.