Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Pronunciation: flur-BI-proe-fen
What are flurbiprofen’s uses?
Flurbiprofen works by preventing the body from producing substances that cause inflammation and pain. Flurbiprofen is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms of pain, stiffness and swelling.
It can also be taken orally in lozenge form to treat painful conditions in the mouth and throat, or, more commonly, it’s applied topically or as a patch.
What dosage should you take?
The typical dose for adults is to apply one patch to a single site twelve hourly, as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
To treat conditions in the mouth or throat, adults and children over 12 should suck one lozenge slowly, three to six hourly.
Children under 12 should not be treated with flurbiprofen.
Always check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist first.
What special precautions should you take?
- Be aware that the safety of taking flurbiprofen when pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established, so first consult with your doctor or Clicks pharmacist regarding its use.
- Flurbiprofen should not be applied to damaged skin, or near the eyes.
- If any adverse effects develop, discontinue use immediately.
- Be aware that there may be increased photosensitivity in the treated area, so avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Do not use it for more than four weeks. Although applied topically, flurbiprofen can be absorbed by the body, especially after prolonged treatment.
- Flurbiprofen should be avoided if you are allergic or hypersensitive to NSAIDs.
Flurbiprofen should be used with caution if you have any of the following conditions:
- Impaired liver or kidney function
- Heart disease
- A bleeding disorder
- Asthma
- An infection
- Allergies
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Stomach ulcer
What drug interactions could you experience?
To avoid adverse drug interactions, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
What are flurbiprofen’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Photosensitivity of the skin (sensitivity to sunlight)
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
There is a very low risk of overdose when using flurbiprofen. Call a doctor or an ambulance immediately if you suspect you are having a severe reaction to flurbiprofen.