Flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain or swelling from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Flurbiprofen may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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 for a long time, you may need regular medical tests.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Flurbiprofen can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use flurbiprofen right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Flurbiprofen may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly.

Flurbiprofen can raise your chance of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not 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 lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These problems can happen without warning while you are taking 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 advises 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.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

200 mg to 300 mg orally per day in 2 to 4 divided dosesMaximum single dose: 100 mgComments:-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 dosesMaximum single dose: 100 mgComments:-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

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

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

• 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).

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.

• Which painkiller should you use?