Uses
Flurbiprofen is
used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis.
This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID).
If
you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor
about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat
your pain.
Side Effects
Upset
stomach, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many
people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This
medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure
regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects
occur: stomach pain, vision changes, hearing changes
(e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat,
persistent/severe headache, fainting, difficult/painful swallowing, symptoms
of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness,
unusual/sudden weight gain).
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects
occur: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine), easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever,
persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck, slurred speech.
This
drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you
notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop
taking flurbiprofen and consult your doctor or pharmacist right away:
yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal
pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the
face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before
taking flurbiprofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are
allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib);
or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
This medication should
not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,
consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a
history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or
other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG).
Before
using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestine/esophagus problems
(e.g., bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), heart disease (e.g.,
history of heart attack), stroke, high blood pressure, swelling
(edema, fluid retention), blood disorders (e.g., anemia),
bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).
Kidney problems
can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including
flurbiprofen. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated,
have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if
you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section).
Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and
tell your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine.
Before
having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this
medication.
This
drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis)
can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything
that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
This
medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco,
especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach
bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
This
medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun.
Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective
clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or
have skin blisters/redness.
Older
adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially
stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems.
Before
using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their
doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting
pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to
become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last
trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and
interference with normal labor/delivery.
This
drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a
nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.