Sign inBefore taking flurbiprofen
Before taking flurbiprofen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are under 12 or over 65 years of age.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
- If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
- If you have blood in your stools.
- If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen) or to any other medicine.
How to take flurbiprofen
- Before starting flurbiprofen, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take flurbiprofen exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Taking flurbiprofen with a glass of milk or after eating some food may help prevent side-effects such as indigestion.
- If you are taking the modified-release capsules, it is best to take your dose in the evening. The capsules should be swallowed whole, during or straight after a meal. Do not chew the capsules before swallowing.
- 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
- Keep any regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
- Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time so that you do not suffer from 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.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with flurbiprofen.
Can flurbiprofen cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Possible side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain | Make sure you take your doses with a meal or with a glass of milk. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids |
| Other possible side-effects: sore mouth, constipation, wind, headache, dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, drowsiness, and difficulty sleeping | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
- Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
- Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
- A severe skin rash.
- A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
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
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References
- Manufacturer’s PIL, Froben® Tablets, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2010.
- Manufacturer’s PIL, Froben® SR, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2007.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.