Flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used in liquid form to prevent or reduce changes in the eye that can occur during eye surgery.

Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These work by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken up to 4 times a day with or without food.

It is also available as an eye drop, and is usually instilled every 30 minutes beginning 2 hours before surgery, for a total of 4 doses.

Common side effects of flurbiprofen tablets include stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea/vomiting. Flurbiprofen can also cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how flurbiprofen affects you.

Common side effects of flurbiprofen eye drops include burning and stinging after instilling drops. 

CYP2C9 is a protein in your body that is involved in the elimination of flurbiprofen and other drugs from your body. Some patients have less of this protein in their bodies, affecting how much of the drug gets eliminated. Levels of CYP2C9 can vary greatly between individuals, and those having less of this protein are known as "poor metabolizers." 

CYP2C9 testing is done to determine whether you are a poor metabolizer. If you are a poor metabolizer, the levels of flurbiprofen in your blood can become too high. As a result you may be at an increased risk of having more side effects from flurbiprofen.

Your doctor may adjust your dose of flurbiprofen if you are a poor metabolizer.

Oral

• Flurbiprofen is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Topical (eye drops)

• Flurbiprofen is a prescription medication used to prevent or reduce changes in the eye that may occur during eye surgery.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Flurbiprofen may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Ansaid

• Ocufen

Serious side effects have been reported with flurbiprofen. See the “ Flurbiprofen Precautions” section.

Common side effects of flurbiprofen tablets include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• dizziness
• gas

Common side effects of flurbiprofen eye drops include:

• burning, stinging, and irritation after instilling eye drops
• a collection of blood inside the front part of the eye
• contraction of the pupil
• dilation of the pupil

This is not a complete list of flurbiprofen side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oral: 

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Flurbiprofen is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery. NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events especially in the elderly, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.