Felbinac for pain and inflammation Traxam

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 18/07/2023: Traxam® products have been discontinued in the United Kingdom. At the time of review there are no branded or generic products containing felbinac available in the UK. Felbinac products may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

Apply felbinac 2-4 times daily. Gently massage the gel/foam into your skin over the affected area. Wash your hands well afterwards.

Felbinac may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Protect the treated areas of your skin from bright sunlight until you know how your skin reacts.

Type of medicineA topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller
Used forTreating pain and swelling due to strains and sprains
Also calledTraxam® (discontinued)
Available asGel and foam

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Felbinac side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this?
Skin irritation, itching, or rednessThis is usually mild and nothing to worry about. If the irritation/rash becomes severe, stop using felbinac and ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice

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

  • 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.

Make sure that the person supplying this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

This preparation is for use on the skin only. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of it, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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