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Generic Name: Flurbiprofen
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Ansaid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID.
Medications in this class are used to relieve pain associated with
arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, minor surgery, bursitis, tendinitis,
sprains, strains and other painful conditions.
Ansaid is prescribed
primarily for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Side Effects and Interactions
Without question, the most common side effects
or arthritis drugs such as Ansaid involve the gastrointestinal tract.
They include nausea, indigestion, heartburn, cramps, gas, constipation,
and diarrhea. Even ulcers and intestinal bleeding are a possibility.
These problems occasionally occur without obvious preliminary symptoms,
leading to a sudden life-threatening crisis due to perforation of the stomach
lining.
Older people appear to be more susceptible to this problem and
should be monitored carefully. Warning signs may include weight loss, persistent
indigestion, a feeling of fullness after moderate meals, dark or tarry stools,
anemia and unusual fatigue.
Home stool tests such as Hemoccult or Fleet
Detecatest may provide an early indication of bleeding.
Other side
effects to be alert for include headache, ringing in the ears, rash, itching,
difficulty breathing and fluid retention. Drowsiness, dizziness,
lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion are possible; do not
drive if you become impaired.
Less commonly Ansaid may produce
jitteriness, insomnia, heart palpitations, hair loss, depression, tremor,
tiredness, visual disturbances, and sores in the mouth.
Some people
become sensitive to sunlight while on Ansaid, so use an effective sunscreen,
stay covered or avoid the sun.
Report any symptoms to your physician
promptly.
Ansaid can affect both the kidney and liver, so periodic blood
tests to monitor the function of these organs is important.
This
medication may adversely interact with alcohol and many other drugs, including
aspirin, beta-blocker heart or blood pressure medicine, blood thinners, Lasix
and similar diuretics, lithium and methotrexate.
Over-the-counter pain
medicines like Motrin1
IB or Aleve should be avoided while you are on Ansaid.
Check with
your pharmacist and physician to make sure Ansaid is safe in combination with
any other drugs you take.
Special Precautions
People who are allergic to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents should avoid Ansaid because of the possibility of allergy.
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, rash, fever, or a sudden drop in blood pressure, and require immediate medical attention.
Taking the Medicine
Because Ansaid can be hard on the digestive tract, the pills may be taken with food to reduce
discomfort. Taking Ansaid with food will slow but not reduce its effects.
There are no
guarantees that the drug will be safe for the stomach, however.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000