What is Ansaid®?

Ansaid®, also known as flurbiprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to ease mild to moderate pain such as inflammation, stiffness and tenderness. Ansaid® is prescribed to treat these symptoms in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It might also be used for other medical conditions like spondylitis, tendinitis and bursitis.

As with any other medication, the use of Ansaid® might cause a person to suffer side effects. These include anxiety, constipation, and drowsiness. Other side effects that a person might experience are headache, nausea, and stuffy nose. Serious side effects arising from the medication require immediate medical attention and might include symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, unusual bleeding or bruising and vision changes. An individual should look into any side effects that persist.

Taking more than the prescribed dosage can result in an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose can include some of the medication's side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. Other symptoms are bloody, black or tarry stools, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds and coma. Emergency medical attention is needed in the case of an overdose.

The elderly should be cautious when taking Ansaid® as they are more susceptible to side effects. It is still unknown whether the drug is safe for children. When prescribed for this young age group, it is important for parents to exercise extreme caution.

Drugs can interact with medical conditions, so a person should disclose any existing illnesses to a doctor before taking Ansaid®. Examples of medical conditions are allergies, kidney or liver disease and stomach problems, such as ulcers. In addition to these and other ailments, a patient should also tell a doctor about asthma, blood problems and pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Medications can also interact with Ansaid®. When medications interact, side effects might increase or new ones might arise. In other cases, medication effectiveness might suffer. Some drugs that interact with Ansaid® are anticoagulants, lithium and probenecid. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics also interact with the drug.

When prescribed, the medication comes in tablet form and should be used as directed by a doctor. Although the exact amount to take will vary from person to person, the frequency of dosage will usually range between two and four times a day. The tablet should either be taken by mouth with a full glass of water or with food. The latter option is recommended especially if the alternative causes stomach upset.