$Unique_ID{BRK01964}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{FLURBIPROFEN}
$Subject{Ansaid (Upjohn)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FLURBIPROFEN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Ansaid (Upjohn)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     flurbiprofen
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (50 mg, 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room
       temperature away from heat and direct light.

USES

     Flurbiprofen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
stiffness) of arthritis and osteoarthritis.  Flurbiprofen has been shown to
block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that
may trigger pain.  However, it is not yet fully understood how flurbiprofen
works.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
quickly.  However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to
take this medication with food or antacids.
     It may take up to two weeks before you feel the full effects of this
medication.  Flurbiprofen does not cure arthritis or osteoarthritis, but it
will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     It is important to take flurbiprofen on schedule and not to miss any
doses.  If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, headache, or
dizziness.  As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly
from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; difficult or painful
urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing, or ringing or buzzing in your
ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet or
hands; chest tightness; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or
bruising; unusual weight gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Flurbiprofen interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an
increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Aspirin, other salicylates, and other anti-inflammatory medications
can increase stomach irritation.  Aspirin may also decrease the effectiveness
of flurbiprofen; therefore, it should not be used concurrently with
flurbiprofen.
     3. Flurbiprofen may block the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol.
     4. The activity of diuretics (water pills) may be inhibited by
flurbiprofen.
     5. Flurbiprofen may alter a diabetic patient's response to insulin or
oral hypoglycemic agents.
     Before starting to take flurbiprofen, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had
unusual or allergic reactions to flurbiprofen or to any of the other
chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic
acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or
tolmetin).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
bleeding problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney
disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease.
     * If flurbiprofen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to
tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     * The elderly may be at increased risk for side effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning
to become pregnant.  This medication can cause unwanted effects on the heart
or blood flow of the fetus.  Studies in animals have also shown that this
medication, if taken late in pregnancy, may increase the length of pregnancy,
prolong labor, or cause other problems during delivery.  Also tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of flurbiprofen can pass
into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
