Flurbiprofen: Uses, indications and cautions when using

Flurbiprofen belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis. If you are being treated for a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-pharmacological treatments and/or using another medicine to treat your pain in place of Flurbiprofen.

Flurbiprofen is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
Menstrual pain Rheumatoid arthritis Painful joint damage Gout Arthritis in children and young adults Ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatic disease Joints cause pain and stiffness in the spine. Flurbiprofen is contraindicated in the following cases:
Systemic leukocytosis Increased risk of bleeding due to clotting disorders Increased risk of bleeding Alcoholism High blood pressure A heart attack Chronic heart failure Hemorrhagic stroke A clot blood clots Stomach or intestinal ulcers Liver disease Stomach or intestinal bleeding Kidney transplant Acute kidney failure Visible fluid retention Pregnancy Stomach or intestinal wall rupture Smoking Smoking Increases risk of cardiovascular events Immediately after surgery Coronary bypass surgery Poor metabolizer CYP2C9 Chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe) Chronic kidney disease stage 5 (impaired) Renal disease with potential for impaired renal function Aspirin exacerbation of respiratory disease History Gastrectomy History of kidney donation

Read the medication instructions provided by your doctor carefully before you start using flurbiprofen and each time you are given a refill. If you have any questions regarding the use of Flurbiprofen, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Flurbiprofen by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), unless your doctor directs you otherwise. You should not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking Flurbiprofen. If you have an upset stomach while taking Flurbiprofen, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dose of Flurbiprofen is calculated by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than recommended, as this may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Do not take more than 100 milligrams of Flurbiprofen as a single dose. It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefits take effect when Flurbiprofen is taken regularly. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens after using Flurbiprofen. Tests such as a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects from Flurbiprofen.

While using Flurbiprofen, you may experience stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness or headache. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Flurbiprofen because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who use Flurbiprofen have no serious side effects.
Flurbiprofen can increase your blood pressure so you should check your blood pressure regularly and let your doctor know if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects of Flurbiprofen occur: Stomach pain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g. Tinnitus). ), mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting, difficulty/painful swallowing, symptoms of heart failure (such as swollen ankles/feet, fatigue) unusual fatigue, unusual/sudden weight gain).
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: Signs of kidney problems, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection infections (eg, fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck, difficulty speaking.
Flurbiprofen can rarely cause fatal liver disease. But if you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking flurbiprofen and consult your doctor immediately: Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine color, severe stomach or abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting.
A serious allergic reaction to Flurbiprofen is very unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Flurbiprofen may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), difficulty breathing, severe dizziness.
Below are Flurbiprofen side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Flurbiprofen include:
Fluid retention Urinary tract infections Excess stomach acid secretion Headache Nausea Diarrhea Stomach cramps Less common side effects of Flurbiprofen include:
Depression Blurred vision Changes in vision Ringing in the ears Congestion and runny nose Gastritis Bloody stools Stomach or intestinal bleeding Memory loss Skin rash Vomiting blood Indigestion Constipation Drowsiness Dizziness Difficulty sleeping Muscle tremors Vomiting Stomach fullness Anxiety Rare side effects of Flurbiprofen include:
Meningitis not caused by infection High blood potassium levels Hemolytic anemia Thrombocytopenia Low blood count due to marrow failure injury Anemia Decreased platelets in the blood Low white blood cell count Eosinophils in the blood Confusion Bleeding from the retina Blurred vision Pink eyes High blood pressure A heart attack Angina Abnormal heartbeat Chronic heart failure Stroke Subcutaneous bruising Swelling of the vocal cords Bronchospasm Bronchospasm Esophagitis An ulcer in the esophagus Stomach ulcers Hepatitis Interstitial nephritis Kidney damage Renal failure Renal papillary necrosis Decreased kidney function Bloody urine Non-menstrual bleeding Eczema Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson syndrome Rash skin and peeling Itching Leech's nest Fever Nosebleeds Swollen lymph nodes Wheezing Shortness of breath Anaphylactic shock Angioedema Stomach or intestinal wall rupture Yellow eyes or jaundice Dry mouth Inflammation of the skin Increased sensitivity to sunlight Muscle weakness excessive sweating Loss of taste Loss of muscle coordination Decreased appetite High levels of uric acid in the blood Tingling sensation in the skin This is not a complete list of the possible side effects of Flurbiprofen. If you notice other effects of Flurbiprofen not listed above, contact your doctor immediately.

Before taking flurbiprofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine; or aspirin or other NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) and any other allergies if present. Flurbiprofen may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Flurbiprofen, consult your doctor if you have: Asthma due to aspirin sensitivity (history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs) , recent heart surgery (CABG).
Before using Flurbiprofen, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach/intestinal/oesophageal problems (e.g. Bleeding). bleeding, stomach ulcers, recurrent heartburn), heart disease (eg, History of heart attack), stroke, high blood pressure, swelling, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, asthma , tumors in the nose (nasal polyps).
Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen. Kidney problems are more likely to happen if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications. Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor while using Flurbiprofen, to prevent dehydration, and tell your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Flurbiprofen.
Flurbiprofen can make you dizzy or drowsy and alcohol and marijuana can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness while you are taking Flurbiprofen, until you can do so safely.
Flurbiprofen can cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking while being treated with Flurbiprofen.
Flurbiprofen may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit the time you spend in the sun, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing outdoors while you are using Flurbiprofen.
Older adults may be more at risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack and stroke when using Flurbiprofen.
Before using Flurbiprofen, women of childbearing age should talk to their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant before using Flurbiprofen.
Flurbiprofen can harm an unborn baby and cause problems with labor/birth. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor decides that you need to take Flurbiprofen between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. You should not use Flurbiprofen after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
Flurbiprofen passes into breast milk and may have unwanted effects on a newborn baby. Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using Flurbiprofen.

Drug interactions can change the way Flurbiprofen works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Flurbiprofen, without your doctor's approval. Some drugs that may interact with Flurbiprofen include: Aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids, lithium, methotrexate, drugs diuretics such as furosemide.
Flurbiprofen can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other medicines that can also cause bleeding such as antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, anticoagulants such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, some others.
Double-check all labels on all prescription and nonprescription medications as many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketorolac). These drugs are similar to flurbiprofen and may increase the risk of side effects if used together. However, if your doctor has prescribed you low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke (usually at doses of 81-325 milligrams per day), you should continue to take aspirin unless your doctor directs you otherwise. .

If you or someone else has overdosed on Flurbiprofen and has serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911. Symptoms of an overdose of this medicine may include: Severe stomach pain, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow or shallow breathing.
If you miss a dose of Flurbiprofen, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose of Flurbiprofen at the usual time and do not double your usual dose.

Store Flurbiprofen at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Do not leave medicine in the bathroom, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush Flurbiprofen down the toilet or down the drain unless you are instructed to do so. Dispose of this medication appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com