WARNING

Taking Ansaid (generic name: flurbiprofen) carries several risks, particularly because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While it is effective for reducing pain and inflammation, it is important to understand its potential risks and side effects. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the risks associated with flurbiprofen:

• ncreased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Flurbiprofen, like other NSAIDs, can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with the duration of use. People with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease are at a greater risk.
• Hypertension: NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen, may cause new onset of hypertension (high blood pressure) or worsening of pre-existing hypertension, which can contribute to cardiovascular events. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advised.
• Heart Failure and Edema: Fluid retention and edema (swelling) have been observed in some patients taking NSAIDs, which may worsen or precipitate heart failure in susceptible individuals.
• Ulcers and Bleeding: NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. The risk is higher in older adults, people with a history of peptic ulcers or GI bleeding, and those taking higher doses for prolonged periods.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Common side effects include indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Kidney Damage: NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen, can cause renal toxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, heart failure, liver dysfunction, or those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Kidney damage can lead to acute renal failure.
• Fluid Retention: Flurbiprofen may cause fluid retention and kidney-related adverse effects, which can contribute to swelling, hypertension, or worsening of heart failure.
• Liver Damage: Elevated liver enzymes and, in rare cases, severe hepatic reactions, including liver necrosis, jaundice, and fulminant hepatitis, have been reported with NSAID use. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Flurbiprofen can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction), especially in individuals with aspirin-sensitive asthma or other NSAID allergies. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Skin Reactions: Serious skin reactions, such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), can occur. These reactions may be fatal and require immediate discontinuation of the drug.
• Anemia: NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen, can cause anemia, possibly due to GI blood loss, fluid retention, or an effect on erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Flurbiprofen may affect platelet function and prolong bleeding time, increasing the risk of bleeding complications.
• Asthma Exacerbation: In patients with asthma, especially those who have aspirin-sensitive asthma, taking NSAIDs like flurbiprofen may trigger bronchospasm or worsen asthma symptoms.
• Dizziness and Headaches: Some users may experience dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Caution should be used when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Fetal Risk: Use of NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen, during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (a vital blood vessel in the fetus) and other fetal complications. It is generally recommended to avoid flurbiprofen during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Flurbiprofen may interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and certain antihypertensive drugs, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.
• Photosensitivity: Some people may experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn.

Due to the risks mentioned above, it is crucial to use Ansaid (flurbiprofen) only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider, particularly if you have a history of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic conditions. Always discuss your medical history, other medications, and overall health with your healthcare provider before taking flurbiprofen.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ansaid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily prescribed to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking the production of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how you should use it:

• Dosage: The dose of Ansaid depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s response. It is usually taken two to four times a day. It’s important to follow your doctor’s prescription instructions carefully.
• Administration: Ansaid is available in tablet form and should be taken orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food; however, if it causes stomach upset, taking it with food, milk, or an antacid may help.
• Timing: To minimize side effects like gastrointestinal irritation, it’s best to take it at the same time(s) each day. Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

It’s important to use Ansaid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about using this, consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Apart from treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Ansaid may sometimes be used for other purposes, such as:

• Relief of mild to moderate pain: For conditions like menstrual pain, headaches, dental pain, or muscle aches.
• Management of acute gout: To reduce inflammation and pain during gout attacks.
• Off-label use: Occasionally, it may be used for other inflammatory conditions or pain relief as determined by a healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Ansaid, you should follow these special precautions:

1. • Avoid Taking with Certain Medications: Be cautious when taking Ansaid with other NSAIDs, blood thinners (like warfarin), ACE inhibitors, diuretics, certain blood pressure medications, and steroids. Always consult your doctor before combining it with other medications.
   • Be Aware of Allergies: Notify your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs, aspirin, or other medications. Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, rash, itching, or swelling.
   • Monitor for Gastrointestinal Issues: Ansaid can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforation, particularly in older adults. Report any symptoms like stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds to your doctor immediately.
   • Use with Caution if You Have Certain Conditions: If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, asthma, or any bleeding or clotting disorder, you should use Ansaid cautiously and under close supervision by a healthcare provider.
   • Limit Alcohol and Smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. It’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking while taking Ansaid.
   • Inform Before Surgery: If you are scheduled for any surgery or dental procedure, inform the healthcare provider that you are taking Ansaid, as it may affect bleeding.
   • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid using Ansaid during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, unless specifically directed by a doctor. It should be used with caution while breastfeeding.

Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the product’s labeling. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Take with Food or Milk: To reduce stomach upset, it is recommended to take Ansaid with food, milk, or an antacid.
• Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

There are no specific dietary restrictions other than these general recommendations, but following a balanced diet that is easy on the stomach may help if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take It as Soon as You Remember: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip the Missed Dose if It’s Almost Time for the Next One: If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ansaid, like other NSAIDs, can cause a range of side effects. These side effects can vary from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: Some of the more common side effects include:

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or headache
• Rash or itching

Serious Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms like severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds may indicate bleeding or ulcers in the stomach or intestines.
• Heart Issues: Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech could be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
• Kidney Problems: Signs like changes in urine output, swelling in the ankles or feet, or unusual tiredness.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe fatigue.
• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• High Blood Pressure: Symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, or chest pain.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Such as blistering or peeling skin
• Aseptic Meningitis: Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light
• Blood Disorders: Such as anemia or a low white blood cell count

If you experience mild side effects like stomach discomfort or dizziness, consult your doctor for advice on managing them. For serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Ansaid:

• Storage:
  • Store Ansaid at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
  • Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
  • Do not store it in the bathroom, as moisture and heat can affect the medication’s effectiveness.
• Disposal:
  • Do not flush Ansaid down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • The best way to dispose of unused or expired medication is through a medication take-back program. If one is not available, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms of an Ansaid overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, black or bloody stools, shallow breathing, fainting, and even coma.
• Immediate Actions: If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 in the U.S. If the person has collapsed, has trouble breathing, or is not responsive, call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) immediately.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Check-ups: If you are taking Ansaid for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests, liver function tests, and blood pressure monitoring to check for side effects.
• Alcohol Use: Limit alcohol consumption while using Ansaid to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Avoid Certain Medications: Be cautious about using other over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medications, or prescription drugs that may contain NSAIDs. Using multiple NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects.
• Medication Interactions: Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter products, to avoid potentially harmful interactions.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Ansaid can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Follow Prescribed Dosage: Always take Ansaid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the use, storage, and disposal of Ansaid.