Flurbiprofen tablets for pain and inflammation

About flurbiprofen

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like flurbiprofen are sometimes called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or just 'anti-inflammatories'. Flurbiprofen is used to treat painful conditions such as arthritis, sprains and strains, period (menstrual) pain, and migraine pain. It is also prescribed to ease pain after surgical operations.

Flurbiprofen works by blocking the effect of chemicals in your body, called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes help to make other chemicals in the body, called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins are produced at sites of injury or damage, and cause pain and inflammation. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which means pain and inflammation are eased.

Flurbiprofen is also available as eye drops and as throat lozenges. There is more information about these in two separate medicine leaflets called Flurbiprofen eye drops and Flurbiprofen lozenges.

Before taking flurbiprofen

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking flurbiprofen, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you are under 12 or over 65 years of age.

• If you have liver or kidney problems.

• If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.

• If you have high blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

• If you are a smoker.

• If you have a connective tissue disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus, or SLE).

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen), or to any other medicine.
  

How to take flurbiprofen

• Before you start taking flurbiprofen, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the tablets and provide a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking them.

• You should take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two strengths of flurbiprofen tablet available: 50 mg and 100 mg. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day to take the tablets, as this will depend upon your condition. As a guide, if you are taking flurbiprofen for period pain, you will be asked to take either 50 mg or 100 mg every 4-6 hours when needed. For other conditions, the dose is usually 150-200 mg daily, taken divided into several doses over the day. Typically, this is one 50 mg tablet three times daily, or one 100 mg tablet twice daily. You must not take more than a total of 300 mg on any one day, as this is the maximum dose.

• Although you may take your doses before meals, it is better to take your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal. This is because the food in your stomach will help to protect from side-effects such as indigestion and stomach irritation.

• Most people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce the risk of side-effects. If you need to take flurbiprofen for a long time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.

• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress, and is especially important if you are taking flurbiprofen for a long-term condition.

• If you have asthma, symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness can be made worse by anti-inflammatories such as flurbiprofen. If this happens to you, you should stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an anti-inflammatory like flurbiprofen. This is because you should not take these tablets with any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought over the counter.

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

Can flurbiprofen 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 most common ones associated with flurbiprofen. 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.

Important: if you experience any of the following less common but more serious symptoms, stop taking flurbiprofen and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

• If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.

• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or a severe itchy skin rash.

• If you pass blood or black stools, vomit blood, or have severe tummy (abdominal) pains.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store flurbiprofen

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

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

Important information about all medicines