Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
Allergic reactions: This medication may cause serious allergic reactions such as hives; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
If you have asthma and have severe breathing problems after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen), you are more at risk for these allergic reactions. People who have had a serious allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs should not take this medication.
Anemia: Flurbiprofen may cause or worsen anemia (loss of red blood cells). Your doctor will check your blood for anemia regularly while you are taking this medication. If you experience symptoms of anemia (e.g., weakness, tiredness, looking pale, fast heart rate), contact your doctor immediately.
Asthma: People with asthma who have severe breathing problems after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac) should not take this medication.
If you have asthma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye problems: Rarely, some people taking flurbiprofen for prolonged periods may develop eye problems. If you experience blurred vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Heart attack and stroke: People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as flurbiprofen have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. The risk for these side effects is higher with longer treatment periods. People with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history) may also be at a greater risk.
This medication should not be taken by people who are about to have or have recently had heart bypass surgery. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurring of speech, or severe sudden headache, get immediate medical attention.
Heart failure and fluid retention: This medication may cause fluid retention, edema (swelling of the lower legs, ankles, and feet), or weight gain. If you develop any of these symptoms while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have existing edema or heart failure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
High blood pressure: Flurbiprofen may increase blood pressure or worsen existing high blood pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked prior to starting this medication and periodically while you are taking it.
Kidney disease: Long-term use of flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can cause kidney problems. The risk of these problems is increased if you have existing kidney problems, heart failure, liver problems, and if you are taking medications such as diuretics (water pills) or ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril). This medication is not recommended for people with severe kidney problems.
Liver problems: Flurbiprofen may increase your liver test results and worsen liver problems. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, itchy skin, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, contact your doctor immediately.
Skin reactions: Flurbiprofen may cause serious skin reactions. Contact your doctor right away if you develop a skin rash that is red, blistering, or peeling.
Stomach problems: This medication may cause stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding. These stomach problems can occur at any time during treatment, with or without symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, vomit blood, or notice any black or tarry stools.
The use of aspirin, corticosteroids, or blood thinners at the same time as flurbiprofen increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. The risk also increases for higher total daily doses and for longer treatment periods. Seniors, people with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, and people who smoke or drink alcohol are also at a higher risk of experiencing stomach problems.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during early pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks and should be avoided in late pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking flurbiprofen, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing severe stomach problems such as stomach ulcers and bleeding while taking this medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between flurbiprofen and any of the following:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, ramipril)
- acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and other salicylate medications
- alcohol
- beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, bisoprolol)
- corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
- furosemide
- lithium
- methotrexate
- other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac)
- thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.