Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)

What is Ansaid?

Ansaid is an oral drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is Ansaid used for?

Ansaid is used to provide relief from pain, swelling, joint stiffness and other inflammatory symptoms caused by both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

How does Ansaid work?

Ansaid is an NSAID and its mechanism of action yet to be fully understood. However its action is assumed to be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition, i.e. it blocks the action of inflammation-causing hormones thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

How to use Ansaid

Ansaid should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for a longer time or in larger amount than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Ansaid is usually taken orally with a glass full of water. It may be taken with food, milk or antacid to prevent stomach upset.

You should avoid lying down within 10 minutes of taking Ansaid.

If you have been prescribed to take this drug for a long time, you should go for regular check-ups with your doctor to detect harmful side-effects from the drug at the earliest.

 The drug should be taken regularly for the best results.

It may take up to 2 weeks for signs of improvement to show.

Do not increase or stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Ansaid warnings and precautions

Ansaid is not administered to patients who are allergic to flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs. To prevent life-threatening consequences such as heart attack or stroke, avoid using the drug before or after a recent coronary artery bypass graft. Patients having a severe kidney disease are also advised against using this medication.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you smoke or are suffering from the following conditions: liver or kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers, a history of heart disease, stroke or blood clotting disorders, congestive heart failure, asthma, high blood disorder, or polyps in nose. You may need a dose adjustment in such cases.

Ansaid should be administered to older patients with extreme caution as the drug may cause bleeding or perforation of stomach or intestinal walls without warning. Such conditions may often become fatal in nature.

Ansaid may cause harmful effects on fetus, especially in the last three months of pregnancy. The drug is also believed to pass through breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors. Also inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or plan a pregnancy during treatment.

What do I do if I have missed a Ansaid dose?

If you have missed an Ansaid dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Ansaid overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Ansaid, seek medical attention immediately.

Ansaid interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Ansaid are: antidepressants, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, diuretics, steroids, lithium, cyclosporine, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Ansaid.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Ansaid side effects

Side effects from Ansaid include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as easy bruising, muscle weakness, numbness, pain in muscles, shortness of breath, slurred speech, chest pain, vision problems, imbalance, decreased urination, rapid weight gain, symptoms of intestinal bleeding (black bloody tarry stools, blood in cough or vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), jaundice, painful urination, blood in urine, loss of appetite, headache, or peeling red skin rash.

Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nervousness, stomach upset, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, mild heartburn, gas, dry mouth, mild skin rash, ringing in ears, increased sweating, and nasal discharge are some less serious side effects of Ansaid.