DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic name: Flurbiprofen
Brand names: Ansaid

Why is Ansaid prescribed?

Ansaid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis).

Most important fact about Ansaid

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Ansaid regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

How should you take Ansaid?

Your doctor may ask you to take Ansaid with food or an antacid.

Take Ansaid exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you are using Ansaid for arthritis, it should be taken regularly.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ansaid.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, general feeling of illness, headache, indigestion, nausea, swelling due to fluid retention, urinary tract infection

Why should Ansaid not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Ansaid, aspirin, or similar drugs such as Motrin, or if you have had asthma attacks caused by aspirin or other drugs of this type, you should not take Ansaid. Fatal attacks have occurred in people allergic to Ansaid. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Ansaid

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. Kidney problems are most likely to develop in such people, as well as in those with heart failure, those taking water pills, and older adults.

If you have asthma, take Ansaid with extra caution. Do not take aspirin or similar drugs while taking Ansaid, unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Ansaid can cause vision problems. If you experience a change in your vision, inform your doctor. Blurred and/or decreased vision has occurred while taking Ansaid.

Ansaid slows the clotting process. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, Ansaid should be taken with caution.

This drug can increase water retention. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use with caution.

If you want to take Ansaid for pain less serious than that of arthritis, be sure to discuss the risks of using Ansaid with your doctor.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ansaid

If Ansaid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ansaid with the following:

Antacids
Aspirin
Beta blockers such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Tenormin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Oral diabetes drugs such as Micronase
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Water pills such as Lasix and Bumex

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Ansaid during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. In particular, you should not use Ansaid in late pregnancy, as it can affect the developing baby's circulatory system. Ansaid appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Ansaid is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis:

The usual starting dosage is a total of 200 to 300 milligrams a day, divided into 2, 3, or 4 smaller doses (usually 3 or 4 for rheumatoid arthritis). Your doctor will tailor the dose to suit your needs, but you should not take more than 100 milligrams at any one time or more than 300 milligrams in a day.

ADULTS

The safety and effectiveness of Ansaid have not been established in children.

OLDER ADULTS

Older people are among those most apt to develop kidney problems while taking Ansaid.

Your doctor will determine the dosage according to your needs.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose of Ansaid, seek medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Ansaid overdose may include:
  Agitation, change in pupil size, coma, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, headache, nausea, semiconsciousness, shallow breathing, stomach pain