Flurbiprofen

Introduction

Written by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on September 27, 2023

Flurbiprofen (flure BI proe fen) is a generic medication prescribed for relieving symptoms of certain types of arthritis in adults. It’s also used to help keep pupils dilated during eye surgery. Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved flurbiprofen to:

• relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• relieve symptom of osteoarthritis
• help prevent pupil contraction during eye surgery

These approved uses differ based on the form of flurbiprofen your doctor prescribes.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of flurbiprofen. To find coupons for flurbiprofen eye drops, see this article.

Boxed warnings

Flurbiprofen oral tablet has boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the FDA. These include:

• risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems
• risk of serious digestive system problems

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for flurbiprofen” section.

Common questions about flurbiprofen

Below, you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about flurbiprofen.

Is flurbiprofen similar to ibuprofen?

Yes, flurbiprofen and ibuprofen are similar drugs.

Each belongs to the group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They’re also both prescribed to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults. These medications have some similar side effects, such as upset stomach and increased risk of bleeding.

However, flurbiprofen and ibuprofen also have some differences. For example, each is approved for use with conditions other than arthritis. Some strengths of ibuprofen oral tablets are available over the counter. But you need a prescription to purchase flurbiprofen.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about the differences between flurbiprofen and ibuprofen.

Does flurbiprofen come as a lozenge?

No. Flurbiprofen is not available as a lozenge in the United States. However, it may be available in this form in other countries.

Where available, flurbiprofen lozenges are typically used to relieve symptoms of sore throat. In the U.S., other lozenges are available to soothe a sore throat. These include Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lozenges and Cepacol Sore Throat Lozenges. Both have the ingredients benzocaine and menthol, which help numb your throat.

If you have questions about using a lozenge to relieve your symptoms, talk with your doctor.

What brand names are available for flurbiprofen?

Flurbiprofen is only available in generic forms. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less than brand-name drugs.

Flurbiprofen oral tablet used to be available under the brand name Ansaid, and the eye drops were available as the brand Ocufen. However, these versions have been discontinued.

Can flurbiprofen be used for a toothache?

Flurbiprofen is not approved to relieve dental pain. However, some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)

If you have questions about medications for a toothache, talk with your doctor.

How does flurbiprofen work? And how long does it take to start working?

Flurbiprofen works by blocking your body from making prostaglandins. These are substances in your body that can increase your sensitivity to pain and cause symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling and pain.

Prostaglandins can also cause your pupils to contract (become smaller) during eye surgery. (Pupils are the black opening in the middle of your eye.)

By blocking the production of prostaglandins, flurbiprofen helps to relieve pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also prevents your pupils from contracting during eye surgery.

Flurbiprofen starts working about 2 hours after you take the oral tablet or use the eye drops.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of flurbiprofen and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about flurbiprofen’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for flurbiprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of flurbiprofen are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of flurbiprofen you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about flurbiprofen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for flurbiprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Flurbiprofen oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• abdominal pain
• upset stomach
• nausea
• headache
• mild allergic reaction*

Flurbiprofen eye drops’ mild side effects include:

• burning or stinging where the eye drops are applied
• eye irritation
• redness in the white parts of your eyes
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for flurbiprofen” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of flurbiprofen are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of flurbiprofen you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about flurbiprofen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for flurbiprofen listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, flurbiprofen’s serious side effects include:

• increased risk of bleeding
• severe allergic reaction*

For flurbiprofen oral tablet, the following serious side effects may also occur:

• kidney damage
• liver damage
• high blood pressure
• serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
• boxed warnings: risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive system problems*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for flurbiprofen” section.

Uses of flurbiprofen

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as flurbiprofen for certain conditions. Approved uses for flurbiprofen are described below. These uses differ based on the form of flurbiprofen prescribed.

Use during eye surgery

Doctors may prescribe flurbiprofen eye drops to help prevent pupil contraction during eye surgery. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

During eye surgery, specifically cataract surgery, your pupils may contract (get smaller). (Pupils are the black opening in the middle of your eye.) Contracted pupils make it difficult for the eye surgeon to safely access the inside of your eyes. Flurbiprofen eye drops help to keep your pupils dilated during eye surgery.

Use for certain types of arthritis

Doctors may prescribe flurbiprofen oral tablet for relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks joints in your body, causing joint damage. Joints that are typically affected include those in your hands, wrists, and knees. You may have symptoms such as pain, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness in the joints.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones in your joints wears off. Cartilage is the protective tissue that keeps the bones in your joints from rubbing together. When cartilage breaks down, the rubbing together of bones can cause symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation.

Interactions and warnings for flurbiprofen

Below, you’ll find information about flurbiprofen’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of flurbiprofen

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take flurbiprofen, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for flurbiprofen” section below.

Warnings for flurbiprofen

Some people should not take flurbiprofen, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Flurbiprofen oral tablet has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive system problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. With serious heart and blood vessel problems, you may experience heart attack or stroke, which may be life threatening. These side effects were rarely reported in studies of flurbiprofen. These side effects can happen at the start of your treatment. However, the risk is higher if you take the drug long term.

Symptoms of a stroke may include:

• numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body
• trouble speaking
• sudden, severe headache

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• pain in your chest, arm, shoulder, or neck
• shortness of breath
• fatigue

This list does not include all symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately.

If you experience symptoms of serious heart and blood vessel problems, tell your doctor. Due to this risk, your doctor will prescribe flurbiprofen at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. They also won’t prescribe this medication if you plan to have or have recently had coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Risk of serious digestive system problems. With serious digestive system problems, you may experience bleeding, ulcers, or holes in your digestive tract. This side effect was rarely reported in studies of flurbiprofen.

Symptoms of serious digestive system problems may include:

• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• dark or bloody stools
• burning stomach pain

This side effect can occur at any time during your treatment and may happen without symptoms. Factors that may increase your risk of this side effect include:

• taking flurbiprofen for long periods
• being age 65 years or older
• having a stomach ulcer in the past

Your doctor will likely not prescribe flurbiprofen if you have an increased risk of developing serious digestive system problems. If they prescribe it, they’ll likely prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms.

If you experience symptoms of serious digestive system problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely have you temporarily stop taking flurbiprofen until they determine the cause of your symptoms. If they confirm that you have digestive system problems, they’ll likely have you stop taking flurbiprofen and recommend a different treatment for your arthritis symptoms.

Other warnings

Flurbiprofen could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether flurbiprofen is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of flurbiprofen you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for flurbiprofen, and be sure to tell them about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Flurbiprofen can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to flurbiprofen or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe flurbiprofen. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to flurbiprofen, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of flurbiprofen

If you take flurbiprofen by mouth, you should not take more flurbiprofen than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much flurbiprofen, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and flurbiprofen

Information about flurbiprofen and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Flurbiprofen and pregnancy

There are risks to using flurbiprofen during pregnancy. Flurbiprofen should not be used at 30 weeks of pregnancy or later. It’s not known whether this medication is safe to use earlier than 20 weeks of pregnancy. If your doctor prescribes flurbiprofen between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, they’ll likely prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest amount of time that gives the desired effect.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about arthritis treatment options during pregnancy. Also let them know if you’re pregnant before you have eye surgery. (Keep in mind that flurbiprofen is used for these purposes.) Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take flurbiprofen during pregnancy.

Flurbiprofen and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether flurbiprofen should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about flurbiprofen or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can I take flurbiprofen with other medications that treat my rheumatoid arthritis?
• Should I stop taking flurbiprofen before my dental procedure?
• Can I take flurbiprofen if I have liver or kidney problems?

Resources

• Dhanda S, et al. (2021). A systematic review of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg dose and risk of haemorrhagic events. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.726141/full
• Flurbiprofen tablets, for oral use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/745337de-5378-4f1d-b457-d2f45f2df665/spl-doc
• Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution, USP 0.03% (sterile). (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/11db354f-caf9-4567-811e-6c9beb1330c7/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.