Flurbiprofen throat spray

What is this medication for?

Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which is used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It is available over the counter as a throat spray to treat sore throat.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take this medication as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to take this medication correctly.
• Do not use in children under 18 years old.
• When using the spray bottle for the first time (or after storage for a long period of time), you must first prime the spray bottle. Point the nozzle away from you and spray a minimum of four times until a fine, consistent mist is produced. The spray bottle is then primed and ready to use.
• Aim the nozzle towards the back of the throat. Do not inhale while spraying.
• Do not use for longer than 3 days unless your doctor tells you to. If symptoms persist or the pain worsen after 3 days, or if any new symptoms occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

Flurbiprofen throat spray may be taken when required for a short period of time. This means you no longer have to take it if you do not have any more symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication, aspirin, NSAIDs or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications (e.g. other NSAIDs), including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding, or bleeding problems.
• You have asthma.
• You have a history of kidney, heart problems, stroke or severe liver problems.
• You are planned for any medical procedures, surgeries or dental procedures.
• You have symptoms of dengue fever (e.g. high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains).
• You have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs).

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Mouth ulcers
• Discomfort (warm or burning feeling or tingling) in the mouth

Side effects of NSAIDs may include:

• Stomach discomfort/irritation e.g. stomach pain, heartburn
  • Using this medication after food reduces the risk of this side effect
• Mild bleeding such as
  • Unexplained nose bleed
  • Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth
  • Bleeding from small cuts for 10-15 minutes even as you apply pressure on the wound. Check with your healthcare professional if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or if you feel unwell.

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and are bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

If you take more than the recommended amount, you may feel drowsy or nauseous.

Patients taking NSAIDs may have increased risk of bleeding. If you experience any serious bleeding, you should stop the medication and inform your healthcare professional immediately.

Serious bleeding may include one or more of the following:

• Blood in the urine
• Black and sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time)
• Unexplained large bruises
• Cough up blood or coffee ground-like vomit
• Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness

Signs and symptoms of heart problems or stroke such as:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness in one part or side of body
• Slurring of speech
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, fingers and stomach or sudden weight gain

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Do let your healthcare professional know if you are taking any other herbs, supplements or medications.
This includes the following medications:

• Other NSAIDs (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Quinolone antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)
• ACE inhibitors (e.g. Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril) or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g. Candesartan, Losartan, Valsartan)
• Glycosides (e.g. Digoxin)
• Oral Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisolone)
• Medications to suppress your immune system (e.g. Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus)
• Medications for mania or depression such as Lithium or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g. Fluoxetine)
• Diuretics (e.g. Frusemide)
• Blood thinning medications (e.g. Clopidogrel, Dabigatran, Warfarin)
• Medications to terminate pregnancy (e.g. Mifepristone)
• HIV medications (e.g. Zidovudine)

Avoid taking excessive amounts of alcohol when taking NSAIDs as this will increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.