Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Flurbiprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flurbiprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Flurbiprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using flurbiprofen, especially in older adults.

You should not use flurbiprofen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• fluid retention.

Do not use flurbiprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use Ansaid (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Stop using flurbiprofen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your vision;
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects may include:

• indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• confusion, tremors, feeling nervous;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• increased sweating, itching or rash; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to flurbiprofen (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).