Ansaid

The recommended dose of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) ranges from 200 mg to 300 mg daily divided into 4 to 6 doses. Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) should be used at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time period in order to minimize the risk of side effects.

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) should be taken with food or milk. You should remain sitting upright or standing for 15-30 minutes after taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) to reduce the risk of irritating the esophagus.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Ansaid is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Ansaid (Flurbiprofen). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic or has a suspected allergy to Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is breast-feeding
• is currently taking other NSAIDs
• is in the third trimester of pregnancy (after 28 weeks)
• is planning to have or recently had heart bypass surgery
• is under 18 years of age
• has bleeding in the brain or a bleeding disorder
• has an active stomach or intestinal ulcer or active gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) bleeding
• has a history of Hives, Asthma, or an allergic reaction to Asa or other anti-inflammatory medications
• has high levels of potassium in the blood
• has inflammatory bowel disease
• has severe uncontrolled heart failure
• has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• has significant liver impairment or liver disease

There may be an interaction between Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Aliskiren
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan)
• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., ramipril)
• antidiabetes medication (e.g., gluburide, Gliclazide)
• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other salicylate medications
• Apixaban
• beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
• bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, etidronate, Pamidronate, Risedronate, Zoledronic Acid)
• Cholestyramine
• Clopidogrel
• Colestipol
• corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
• Cyclosporine
• dabigatran
• Deferasirox
• Desmopressin
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone)
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., Ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin)
• Haloperidol
• Heparin
• herbal medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, glucosamine)
• Latanoprost

• lithium
• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• Methotrexate
• other NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Indomethacin)
• Pentoxifylline
• Pemetrexed
• Phenytoin
• potassium supplements
• Prasugrel
• probenecid
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin)
• Rivaroxaban
• SSRIs (e.g., Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline)
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Tacrolimus
• tenofovir
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Imipramine)
• Voriconazole
• 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.

Before you begin using 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 use this medication.

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

June 8, 2021

Health Canada has issued new information concerning the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

A previous advisory on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was issued on October 30, 2020.

Allergic reactions: If you have had a reaction to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac) that included a runny nose, itchy skin rash, nasal polyps, or shortness of breath and wheezing, you should not take this medication. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; wheezing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat), get immediate medical attention.

Aseptic Meningitis: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) can rarely cause symptoms of aseptic meningitis (inflammation or swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord that is not caused by bacteria). If you have an autoimmune condition (e.g., systemic Lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease), you are more at risk for developing this. If you experience symptoms such as stiff neck, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, or changes in consciousness, stop taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) and get immediate medical attention.

Bladder problems: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may cause bladder pain, painful or difficult urination, or increased frequency of urination. If these symptoms occur without an explanation (e.g., infection), stop taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) and contact your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and mental confusion have been reported by some people taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen). Do not drive vehicles or perform other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined that Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) does not affect you in this way.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: NSAIDs such as Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) can cause fluid retention and edema (swelling). This can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of heart failure. If you have heart failure or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have severe, uncontrolled heart failure, you should not take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen).

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may also cause high blood potassium levels. If you are a senior; have Diabetes or kidney failure; or are taking beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril, Enalapril), or some diuretics (e.g., triamterene, Amiloride), you are more at risk of high blood potassium. If you have high blood potassium levels, you should not take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen).

Heart attack and Stroke: Like other NSAID medications, Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and Blood Clots. The risk is greater with higher doses and long-term use. People at risk of heart problems, such as those with high blood pressure, High Cholesterol, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure, or Coronary Artery Disease, should discuss with their doctor how Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney Disease: Like other NSAIDs, Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) is not recommended for people with advanced kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) 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 signs of kidney problems, such as blood in your urine or decreased urine production, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may worsen liver disease. If you have liver disease or severely impaired liver function, discuss with your doctor how Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Sun sensitivity: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. While you are using Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), avoid excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds and sun lamps. If you experience Sunburn with itching, swelling, and blistering, stop taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) and contact your doctor.

Ulcers: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestines. People prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines, and particularly those who have had a stomach ulcer, blood in the stools, or diverticulosis or other inflammatory disease of the stomach or intestines (such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease) should only take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) if they are under close medical supervision. In such cases, the doctor must weigh the benefits of treatment against the possible risks. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as dark tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting up of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) have not been established for pregnant women. Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, and it should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy (after 28 weeks of pregnancy). If you become pregnant while taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), contact your doctor immediately.

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) may reduce fertility. If you are trying to get pregnant or are having difficulty getting pregnant, you should not take Ansaid (Flurbiprofen).

Breast-feeding: Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) have not been established for children. For this reason, Ansaid (Flurbiprofen) is not recommended for use by children.

Seniors: Seniors should be closely monitored by their doctors while they are taking Ansaid (Flurbiprofen). They may be more prone to side effects and may require a lower dose.