flurbiprofen
Flurbiprofen is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. Flurbiprofen comes as tablets that are taken by mouth. The total daily dosage is typically split into smaller doses and taken 2 to 4 times per day. Side effects include stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and nausea. Brand name Ansaid has been discontinued.
What is Flurbiprofen?
What is Flurbiprofen used for?
How Flurbiprofen works
Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks proteins in your body called cyclooxygenase. This helps lessen inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Flurbiprofen?
Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Swelling
Other Side Effects
- Passing gas
- Stomach ulcer
- Nervousness
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision
- Ringing in the ears
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that spreads to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: difficulty breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech
- Heart failure: difficulty breathing, swelling, fast heartbeat
- Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark or brown urine, confusion
- Kidney problems: tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps
- Serious allergic reaction or skin reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Source:Â DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Abdominal or stomach pain
bladder pain
bloody or black, tarry stools
bloody or cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
lower back or side pain
rash
severe stomach pain
swelling
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Rare
Back or leg pains
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloody diarrhea
bloody nose
blurred vision
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chills
clay-colored stools
cracks in the skin
dark urine
decreased urine output
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
dilated neck veins
dizziness
extreme fatigue
fast heartbeat
feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
feeling of warmth or heat
fever with or without chills
flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
greatly decreased frequency of urination
headache
high fever
hoarseness
increased blood pressure
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
increased thirst
indigestion
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
loss of heat from the body
nervousness
noisy breathing
nosebleeds
pale skin
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red, swollen skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
severe or continuing stomach pain
severe sunburn
shakiness and unsteady walk
skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
slow or fast heartbeat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach bloating or cramping
stomach upset
sweating
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen or painful glands
tenderness in the stomach area
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
unpleasant breath odor
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
changes in vision
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ear
discouragement
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
fear
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling sad or empty
full feeling
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hearing loss
irritability
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
loss of memory
passing gas
problems with memory
sensation of spinning
sleepiness
stomach discomfort
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Flurbiprofen
Pros
Works well to treat pain and inflammation
Taken by mouth
Stored at room temperature
Cons
Taken 2 to 4 times per day
Only available as pills
Not an option for children
Pharmacist tips for Flurbiprofen
Avoid alcohol while you're taking flurbiprofen. Alcohol can raise your risk for stomach upset, stomach bleeds, and stomach ulcers. Talk with your healthcare team if you regularly drink alcohol and it's difficult for you to stop. They can recommend resources to help you stop drinking or discuss other treatment options to help with your condition.
Flurbiprofen can raise the risk for stomach bleeding. Tell your prescriber right away if you have unexplained vomiting or stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool. They can let you know whether you need more medical attention.
Flurbiprofen might raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, your prescriber might ask you to check your blood pressure at home more often. If needed, they might make changes to your blood pressure medications.
Don't take flurbiprofen with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds without additional benefit to pain. NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Talk with your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID.
Make sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take. Flurbiprofen can interact with many medications, such as blood pressure medications and blood thinners (including aspirin). These interactions can raise your risk for side effects. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.
If you're pregnant, talk to your healthcare team about safe alternatives for pain instead of flurbiprofen. The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs like flurbiprofen during the second half of pregnancy because NSAIDs might harm your unborn baby or cause complications during delivery. It's not clear how safe flurbiprofen is in the first half of pregnancy either.
The levels of flurbiprofen are expected to be low in breast milk. But to be safe, make sure to talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of taking flurbiprofen if you're breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Flurbiprofen
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What are the risks and warnings for Flurbiprofen?
Flurbiprofen can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding
Risk factors: Older adults | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Drinking alcohol | Smoking | Taking flurbiprofen for a long time
Taking flurbiprofen can raise your risk for stomach ulcers (sores) and bleeds, which can be life-threatening. These stomach injuries can happen at any time while you're taking flurbiprofen. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all of your medical conditions and medications before you start flurbiprofen so they can talk with you about your risk for stomach bleeding.
Oftentimes, people who have stomach bleeds don't have noticeable symptoms, especially if the bleeding is slow and happens over a long period of time. Stomach ulcers can feel like a gnawing pain in the stomach area. Seek medical attention right away if you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while you're taking flurbiprofen.
Heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: Heart problems | Taking higher doses of flurbiprofen | Taking flurbiprofen for a long time | Past or planned heart surgery
Flurbiprofen might raise your risk of having blood clots, which can sometimes lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your prescriber before you start taking flurbiprofen if you have heart problems. Don't take this medication if you had, or will have, heart surgery.
To lower your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, your prescriber will recommend that you take the lowest dose of flurbiprofen for the shortest time needed to treat your condition. Call 911 or get immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking. These can be signs of a serious blood clot.
High blood pressure and heart failure
Risk factors: Heart problems
Flurbiprofen can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. This can raise your blood pressure or put you at risk for heart failure. Tell your prescriber if you have a history of a heart condition or if you're taking blood pressure medications before you start flurbiprofen. Your prescriber will also check for heart problems before your treatment with flurbiprofen starts. Contact your healthcare team if you have unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking flurbiprofen. These can be signs of heart problems from fluid build-up.
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney problems | Heart failure | Liver problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
Taking NSAIDs, like flurbiprofen, over a longer period of time can cause injury to the kidneys. Your risk is higher if you're of older age, if you have certain medical problems like kidney problems, or if you take medications that can cause kidney damage such as diuretics (water pills). Contact your care team if you develop any signs or symptoms of kidney problems, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, low appetite, and muscle cramps.
Liver problems
Risk factors: History of liver problems
Some people who took flurbiprofen had higher liver enzyme levels in their blood, which can mean harm to your liver. Although rare, there have been reports of serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); nausea; or dark or brown urine. These can be signs of liver damage, and you might need to stop taking flurbiprofen to prevent further harm.
Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
Risk factors: Aspirin or NSAID allergy | Aspirin-sensitive asthma | Asthma with rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose), with or without nasal polyps
Severe allergic reactions to flurbiprofen are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Tell your prescriber if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs; you might be at risk for an allergic reaction to flurbiprofen. Get medical help right away if you notice hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take flurbiprofen.
Although rare, flurbiprofen can also cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Stop taking flurbiprofen and get medical attention right away if you notice changes in your skin, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling.
Not safe to take while pregnant
Flurbiprofen can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). The medication can raise the risk for serious complications, such as heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby or problems during delivery. Speak to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking flurbiprofen if you're pregnant.
Risk for general bleeding
Risk factors: Taking with other blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin) | Taking with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | Blood-clotting problems
NSAIDs like flurbiprofen can raise your risk for bleeding. Let a healthcare professional know if you bleed more easily, if bleeding takes longer to stop, or if bleeding doesn't stop while you're taking this medication.
More on Flurbiprofen warnings
Flurbiprofen dosage forms
Typical dosing for Flurbiprofen
Adults: The typical dose is 200 mg to 300 mg by mouth per day, split into smaller doses and given two to four times per day. The maximum single dose is 100 mg at a time.
Interactions between Flurbiprofen and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Dicumarol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Flurbiprofen cost?
Flurbiprofen contraindications
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Use of flurbiprofen after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
What are alternatives to Flurbiprofen?
Pain from osteoarthritis
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis
Flurbiprofen images
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References
Best studies we foundBuchanan, W. W., et al. (1986). European experience with flurbiprofen: A new analgesic/anti-inflammatory agent. The American Journal of Medicine.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Flurbiprofen. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Genus Lifesciences. (2024). Flurbiprofen tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Mena, H. R., et al. (1977). Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with flurbiprofen or ibuprofen. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is coronary artery bypass grafting?
National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.
Preuss, C. V., et al. (2023). Prescription of controlled substances: Benefits and risks. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Drug safety communication – Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later.
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