Flurbiprofen (50mg & 100mg) Tablets

What is Flurbiprofen?

Flurbiprofen provides effective treatment for painful conditions and symptoms most related to arthritis and dental pain.

Flurbiprofen tablets are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug often called NSAIDs. They treat a range of conditions caused by excessive pain and inflammation.

Flurbiprofen tablets are available in 50mg and 100mg doses. You can only buy Flurbiprofen on prescription. 

What are Flurbiprofen tablets used to treat?

Flurbiprofen is commonly used to treat:

• Period pains
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - A study into the efficacy of Flurbiprofen when treating Rheumatoid Arthritis found it to be superior when compared to Naproxen. 
• Migraines
• Sprains and strains

See our guide on managing arthritis with medication.

Why is Flurbiprofen prescribed for arthritis?

Clinical studies have shown Flurbiprofen to be a well-tolerated medicine, which means that is unlikely to cause side effects when taken properly. 

It has been found to be better tolerated than some other more common pain relief medicines and has also shown to be just as effective at alleviating pain caused by arthritis. 

How do Flurbiprofen tablets work?

Like most NSAIDs, Flurbiprofen works by blocking certain natural chemicals in the body that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes help to produce other chemicals in the body called prostaglandins; these chemicals are present at the site of an injury and cause pain and inflammation.

By blocking the COX enzymes that help to produce prostaglandins, fewer prostaglandins are present at the source of an injury. This results in less pain and inflammation.

Who can take Flurbiprofen tablets?

Depending on your condition, Flurbiprofen may not be the most suitable treatment for your condition. Although Flurbiprofen is considered to be as effective as other commonly prescribed NSAIDs such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen, it typically causes more side effects than those drugs.

You are advised to not take Flurbiprofen if you currently suffer from, or have a history of any of the following disorders:

• Seizures
• Depression
• Anxiety and schizophrenia

Anyone with one or more of the following conditions is not advised to take Flurbiprofen:

• You are a smoker
• You are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding
• You have asthma or any other allergic disorder
• You are under 12 or over the age of 65
• You have liver or kidney problems
• You have a heart condition or problems with circulation or blood vessels
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to any NSAID (aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac or ibuprofen) or other medicine
• You are currently taking any other medication
• You have a connective tissue disorder
• You have high cholesterol or blood sugar levels
• You have blood clotting problems

Can you buy Flurbiprofen tablets over the counter?

No, you cannot buy flurbiprofen over the counter, it is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM). Flurbiprofen 50mg and 100mg tablets need to be prescribed by a doctor, throughout the course of your treatment it is likely that your doctor will monitor your condition and how it reacts to your course of Flurbiprofen.

Can you buy Flurbiprofen online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Flurbiprofen 50mg and 100mg tablets online from most online pharmacies. However, you will be required to complete a health consultation that will then be assessed by a doctor to ensure Flurbiprofen is the most suitable treatment option for your condition.

Flurbiprofen alternatives

Other NSAIDs are available to buy online at Medicine Direct for the treatment of arthritis symptoms. We also stock the likes of:

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Celebrex

Paracetamol is also available to order from our online pharmacy after an online consultation, as is Cuprofen Maximum Strength, which contains ibuprofen as its active ingredient. 

Flurbiprofen Indications and Dose

All of our pharmacists and prescribers will prescribe flurbiprofen as per the NICE guidelines

How to take Flurbiprofen 

Always take Flurbiprofen exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Flurbiprofen should be taken with a glass of water, either with or after a meal.

For adults:

Take 150-200mg in divided doses throughout the day. If you are taking Flurbiprofen 50mg coated tablets, this will be three or four times a day. If you are taking Flurbiprofen 100mg coated tablets, this will be one or two tablets a day.

Sometimes a mixture of the two strengths of the tablet will be prescribed.

For period pain:

Take 100mg (either two Flurbiprofen 50mg coated tablets or one Flurbiprofen 100mg coated tablet) when your symptoms start. This should be followed by 50mg or 100mg every 4 to 6 hours.

Do not exceed 300mg a day.

Flurbiprofen Side Effects

Common side effects of Flurbiprofen affect up to 1 in 10 people and include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention
• Higher levels of liver enzymes in the blood
• Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or wind
• Tiredness

Tell your doctor if any of these bother you or do not go away. 

Stop taking Flurbiprofen and seek medical attention straight away if you get any of the following:

• Severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light
• Blood in your stools
• Black tarry stools
• You vomit blood 
• You get a skin rash, find it hard to breathe, wheezing, or your face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat starts to swell

Always read the patient information leaflet provided in your medication box for a full list of side effects.

Flurbiprofen Warnings

People with a medical history of any disorder such as seizures, depression, anxiety or schizophrenia are advised not to take Flurbiprofen, as this drug may have an adverse effect on the nervous system.

The medicine should also not be used in case of any skin allergies.

Some medications can interact with Flurbirpofen when taken at the same time. You must tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently finished taking any prescription or non-prescription medication, herbal remedies or vitamins/supplements. 

See the NICE website for more information on taking Flubiprofen with other medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Always speak to your doctor if you plan to take any medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Flurbiprofen is not usually recommended for use during these times. However, your doctor may prescribe if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Flurbiprofen should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Flurbiprofen Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Flurbiprofen

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Flurbiprofen online in the UK?

Is Ibuprofen the same as Flurbiprofen?

Both of these medicines are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and work to relieve pain and inflammation caused by many of the same problems. However, they are not the same medicine.

What is the brand name for Flurbiprofen?

Flurbiprofen is sometimes sold under the brand name Ansaid. Generic flurbiprofen is normally a cheaper alternative to the branded version.

Is Flurbiprofen used for toothache?

Yes, Flurbiprofen can be prescribed to relieve the pain caused by toothache.

Can you take Flurbiprofen with paracetamol?

There are no known interactions between Flurbiprofen and paracetamol. However, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication while using Flurbiprofen.

How long does Flurbiprofen take to work?

How long Flurbiprofen takes to work will depend on the severity of your condition. In the case of arthritis, you should start to feel the effects of Flurbiprofen within one week, although it may take two or more weeks in more severe cases. You may need to keep taking Flurbiprofen for several weeks before you feel the full benefits of the medicine.

How many Flurbiprofen can I take?

You will be told to take 150mg to 200mg in divided doses every 4-6 hours when required. For period pain, the dose will be 100mg at the start of your symptoms, followed by 50mg or 100mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 300mg in 24 hours.

Is Flurbiprofen safe?

Flurbiprofen is safe to take when it has been prescribed for you. However, you may be at a greater risk of stomach bleeding and peptic ulcers when taking this medicine. It is important to tell your doctor of all other medicines you are taking and any medical conditions you have before you start taking Flurbiprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings and precautions before you start taking it.

Is Flurbiprofen a narcotic?

No, Flurbiprofen is not a narcotic, it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Is Flurbiprofen good for a sore throat?

Research shows that Flurbiprofen lozenges can effectively treat sore throats. However, you should not take Flurbiprofen tablets for sore throats.

Can Flurbiprofen cure headaches?

Flurbiprofen can relieve migraine headaches. However, you should only take it for this problem if your doctor prescribes it specifically for migraines or headaches.

Can you drink alcohol with Flurbiprofen?

You must not drink alcohol while taking Flurbiprofen, as this can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. If your stools are black, bloody or tarry, or if you are coughing up/vomiting blood, you should contact your doctor straight away; these are symptoms of a bleeding stomach.