Felbinac for pain and inflammation

About felbinac

Felbinac is a medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is often referred to simply as 'an anti-inflammatory', or as an 'NSAID'. It eases muscular pains, sprains and strains.

Felbinac works by preventing the production of some chemicals in your body which cause pain and inflammation. It is applied directly on to the surface of your skin as a gel or a foam. It is absorbed through your skin and then moves deeper into the areas where there is inflammation (for example, your muscle).

Felbinac is available on prescription, and you can buy some packs without a prescription at a pharmacy. It is suitable for use by adults and by children over 12 years of age.

Before using felbinac

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using felbinac it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have a skin condition - eczema, for example.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a non-steroidal painkiller (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and indometacin) or to any other medicine.

How to use felbinac

• Before you start using felbinac, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the gel/foam, and will provide you with a full list of any side-effects which you may experience.

• Apply felbinac 2-4 times a day unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor or pharmacist. Wash your hands well afterwards (unless you are treating your hands).

• If you are using gel, gently massage a small amount into the skin over the painful area.

• If you are using foam, apply a golf ball-sized amount of foam to the painful area and rub it lightly into your skin.

• Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend how long you should use felbinac for - it is usually one or two weeks. If the pain and inflammation have not gone within two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor to make sure that the treatment is suitable for you to continue with.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Felbinac may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Do not use sunbeds, and protect any treated areas from strong sunlight until you know how your skin reacts.

• Try to avoid the gel/foam coming into contact with your eyes, and do not apply it to any broken or irritated areas of your skin. If this does happen by accident, wash it off with warm water as soon as possible.

• It is important that you don't cover any area of skin treated with felbinac with any dressings or bandages. This is because more of the medicine may be absorbed by your skin than is intended, and this could lead to unwanted effects.

Can felbinac cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with felbinac. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to felbinac, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store felbinac

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Once opened, Traxam® gel should be used within one month.

Important information about all medicines