Do you also have joint pain, arthritis pain? At such times, your doctor may have prescribed you medicine to reduce the pain. Flurbiprofen is a medicine that is given for such pain and swelling. Although this is a medicine used by many people, it is very important for your safety to know exactly how to use it, its possible effects and risks. So today, let's talk about this Flurbiprofen pill clearly.
What is this medicine called Flurbiprofen?
Simply put, Flurbiprofen is a pain and inflammation reducing medication. It is mainly used to control joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis.
Medically speaking, this belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs. That is, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These drugs work by controlling the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain and swelling. Therefore, the pain and discomfort you feel are reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Flurbiprofen is not a one-size-fits-all medicine. If you have certain medical conditions, using this medicine may be risky. Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this medicine, be sure to tell him or her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart attack , or a stroke . | NSAID medications can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| If you have recently had CABG surgery (Coronary artery bypass graft). | Taking this medicine after such surgeries is very risky. |
| If you have a history of stomach ulcers, gastritis , or intestinal bleeding . | Flurbiprofen may increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. |
| If you have kidney disease or liver disease . | This medicine can affect kidney and liver function. |
| If you have asthma . | For some asthma patients, NSAID medications can worsen symptoms. |
| If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin ) or blood thinners. | The risk of bleeding can be greatly increased. |
| If you smoke or drink alcohol regularly. | These habits further increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother . | Taking this medicine during pregnancy, especially in the last three months, may harm the baby. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or liquids. | There is also a possibility of an allergy to flurbiprofen. |
How do you use this medicine?
- This medicine is an oral tablet. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time .
- If you experience stomach discomfort or heartburn when taking the medicine, take it with or after a meal . Or take it with plenty of water.
- Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. It is important to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even if the pain subsides.
- If you are over 65 years of age , you are at higher risk of side effects, so your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
What if you miss a dose of medicine?
Imagine you forgot to take a dose of medicine. Take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, it is not a joke. Immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
There are several things you need to pay attention to for your safety while taking this medication.
Most importantly, while taking Flurbiprofen, do not take other pain relievers (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen without consulting your doctor. Doing so greatly increases the risk of side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Stomach ulcers and bleeding
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . If you have symptoms such as severe stomach pain , black stools , or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds , see a doctor immediately.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine will not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, long-term use of this medicine, especially if you have heart disease, may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. So talk to your doctor about this.
Severe skin allergies
Sometimes, even weeks after starting the medication, a severe skin reaction can occur. If you experience fever, body aches, red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin, seek medical attention immediately.
Drowsiness and dizziness
You may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Flurbiprofen can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black stools, blood in vomit, dark red/brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Severe pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | - |
| Appetite | - |
| Nausea/stomach discomfort | - |
Where do you keep the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Discard any expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Flurbiprofen is an NSAID medication used to treat pain and inflammation, such as arthritis.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney or liver disease you have.
- While taking the medicine, watch out for symptoms such as stomach pain, black stools, severe skin rashes, or chest pain.
- Do not take other painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen with Flurbiprofen without your doctor's advice.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed dose and at the prescribed time. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.
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