Teva-Flurbiprofen

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Teva-Flurbiprofen

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Flurbiprofen
Form Oral tablet, lozenge, spray, topical gel (depending on product)
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic (propionic acid derivative)

Teva-Flurbiprofen: Classification and Core Identity

Teva-Flurbiprofen is a synthetic pharmaceutical product manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., containing the active ingredient Flurbiprofen. This medicine is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a major drug category recognized for reducing inflammation. Chemically, Flurbiprofen is identified as a propionic acid derivative, sharing a foundational structure with other common NSAIDs. The drug operates by targeting the core chemical pathways of inflammation.


What is the General Purpose of Teva-Flurbiprofen?

The primary general function of Teva-Flurbiprofen is to mitigate symptoms associated with the body’s inflammatory response, specifically providing relief from pain, swelling, and fever. This purpose is achieved because the medicine acts as a Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. By inhibiting the COX enzymes, the amount of prostaglandins—the chemical signals that promote pain sensitivity and trigger inflammation—is reduced. The medication is characterized by its analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory (swelling-reducing), and antipyretic (fever-lowering) effects. This action is utilized in scenarios where pain is directly linked to underlying tissue swelling.


Available Forms and Composition

The Flurbiprofen compound is prepared in various pharmaceutical forms, which determine its intended route of administration. Common forms include oral tablets, extended-release tablets, lozenges, oral sprays, and topical gels. Teva-Flurbiprofen often focuses on the oral tablet and the extended-release format, utilizing either an oral or topical route of administration. Each preparation consists of the active ingredient Flurbiprofen combined with necessary pharmaceutical excipients, such as a solid base for tablets or an aqueous or gel base for external applications.

What side effects are possible with Teva-Flurbiprofen?

Official Safety Profile and Adverse Reactions

The safety profile for Flurbiprofen (Teva-Flurbiprofen), a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), is documented through a formal structure that classifies potential adverse effects by frequency and the body system affected. These regulatory classifications are consistent across major governmental health agencies.


Documented System-Organ-Class Effects

Adverse effects are categorized based on the affected system, including Gastrointestinal Disorders (such as dyspepsia, nausea, and abdominal pain) and Nervous System Disorders (including headache and dizziness), which are commonly reported. Other documented systems involve Cardiac and Vascular Disorders, and Renal and Urinary Disorders.


Serious Adverse Reactions

The regulatory profile highlights two major serious adverse reactions inherent to systemic NSAID use. These include an increased risk of serious Gastrointestinal Events, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, and serious Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. These serious events may be fatal and can occur without warning.


Population and Duration Safety Notes

The risk of serious adverse events is explicitly noted to increase with the duration of use. Specific population safety considerations exist, as older adults are at a greater risk for serious gastrointestinal complications. Furthermore, Flurbiprofen is contraindicated for use during the third trimester of pregnancy and in patients with a history of recurrent peptic ulceration or hemorrhage, according to official labeling.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose with Flurbiprofen may lead to serious, life-threatening manifestations requiring immediate attention. Documented presentations primarily involve the Gastrointestinal System and the Central Nervous System. Early manifestations may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. More severe signs involve agitation, respiratory depression, and progression to coma.


The risk of fatal outcomes is officially documented, often linked to severe complications. These complications include serious gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation, and the potential for major cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Individuals in the elderly population are noted to have an increased risk for severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Specific overdose symptoms, including changes in muscle tone and pupils, have also been observed in young children.


Due to the severity of potential outcomes, immediate medical attention is required upon suspected overdose or the onset of severe symptoms (such as collapse, seizure, or trouble breathing). The official guidance is to promptly contact a regional poison control center or emergency services. No specific antidote is known for Flurbiprofen overdose. Consequently, the standard regulatory approach for management is symptomatic and supportive treatment, which may include monitoring of cardiac and vital signs, correction of fluid imbalances, and procedures such as gastric lavage if performed within one hour of ingestion.

Therapeutic Uses of Teva-Flurbiprofen

What Teva-Flurbiprofen Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Teva-Flurbiprofen is generally used to help manage symptoms across therapeutic domains where physical discomfort is related to an inflammatory process, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.

Easing Chronic Joint Pain and Stiffness

This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed in chronic inflammatory joint diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. In these contexts, it may assist in managing symptoms that cluster around persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness. This support helps improve day-to-day comfort and contributes to maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Supportive Relief for Acute and Episodic Discomfort

It is commonly used across conditions presenting with symptomatic relief needs, including acute manifestations such as Gout attacks and soft tissue injury (e.g., bursitis or tendinitis), and episodic pain like severe menstrual cramping and localized inflammatory discomfort in the throat or mouth. This short-term symptomatic assistance is relevant when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming or interfere with daily functioning.

Quick Fact Symptomatic Support for
Chronic Conditions Persistent joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
Acute Episodes Gout attacks, soft tissue inflammation, dental pain
Recurrent Pain Menstrual cramping and localized inflammatory discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Label

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Teva-Flurbiprofen?

Eligibility for Teva-Flurbiprofen is strictly defined by regulatory bodies and involves absolute prohibitions and restricted use across specific populations and clinical conditions.

Eligibility Scope

Category Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults (Ages 18 and over) is the primary population for systemic use.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Severe uncontrolled heart, liver, or renal failure; history of active peptic ulceration or GI bleeding; known allergy to flurbiprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID; in the setting of CABG surgery; during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Age-related eligibility rules Use of the oral tablet formulation is not established in the pediatric population. Older adults are allowed, but require the lowest effective dose due to increased risk of serious adverse reactions.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use requires caution and monitoring in mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment, hypertension, established ischaemic heart disease, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy (after 28–30 weeks gestation). Use is generally not recommended during the first two trimesters or while breastfeeding.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Category Regulatory Status
Eligibility severity classification Contraindicated; Not Recommended; Use with Caution; Safety and effectiveness have NOT been established.

Official eligibility statements:

  • Flurbiprofen is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or other NSAIDs.
  • Use is prohibited in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and in late-stage pregnancy.
  • Safety and effectiveness have NOT been established for systemic use in children and adolescents.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Official regulatory documents explicitly define eligibility by listing specific populations, disease states, and physiological conditions for which use is either contraindicated or restricted. These classifications establish who is permitted to use the medicine under standard labeled conditions and who is excluded from use based on official, risk-based mandates.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Teva-Flurbiprofen’s official regulatory profile details several significant interactions, classified by effects on bleeding risk, drug exposure, and therapeutic efficacy. The official labeling contraindicates the use of the tablet form for peri-operative pain management in the setting of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Increased Risk of Bleeding and GI Toxicity

Concomitant use with anticoagulants (such as warfarin) carries a synergistic risk, significantly increasing the potential for serious bleeding. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration is also heightened when co-administered with oral corticosteroids, anti-platelet agents, or SSRIs/SNRIs. Co-administration with other NSAIDs or analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended.

Effects on Drug Exposure and Efficacy

The medicine may diminish the antihypertensive and diuretic effects of blood pressure and fluid management drugs, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics. Furthermore, the drug elevates plasma concentrations of lithium salts by reducing their renal clearance. Conversely, concurrent use with aspirin (analgesic doses) results in a substantial reduction in flurbiprofen serum concentration. The drug is primarily metabolized by the CYP2C9 enzyme, and official documentation specifies that a dose reduction is required for individuals identified as poor metabolizers.

Administration and Population Constraints

A timing restriction exists: Teva-Flurbiprofen must not be used for 8–12 days following the administration of mifepristone. In specific populations, such as the elderly or those with renal impairment, co-administration with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may lead to a deterioration of renal function. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Basis: Cyclooxygenase Enzyme Inhibition

The mechanism involves the non-selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. By binding to the active site of these enzymes, the drug molecule blocks the conversion of the fatty acid arachidonic acid into prostaglandin intermediates. This molecular action initiates the entire cascade that shapes the drug's physiological outcomes.


⬇️ Reduction in Prostaglandin Synthesis

The inhibition leads directly to a systemic and localized reduction in the synthesis of key chemical mediators, particularly prostaglandins ( PGE2). Prostaglandins are chemical signals that contribute to nerve sensitization, induce vascular permeability, and regulate the body's thermoregulatory set point. By interrupting this pathway, the mechanism limits the continued formation of these mediators.


Modulation of Systemic Signaling and Control

The resulting reduction in prostaglandins translates into three primary physiological effects: it limits the chemical sensitization of peripheral nerve endings (nociceptors); it modulates vascular permeability at sites of tissue reaction; and, by acting centrally in the hypothalamus, it facilitates the resetting of the temperature set point. These actions influence signaling dynamics across the thermal, vascular, and sensory systems, leading to detectable physiological changes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Teva-Flurbiprofen: Official Administration Guidelines

Administration of Flurbiprofen is determined by the required route, which aligns with two primary forms: the oral tablet for systemic use and oromucosal preparations (lozenge or spray) for localized application. The administration of the oral tablet for systemic conditions, such as arthritis, is typically managed as a long-term plan using divided daily doses.

Administration Routes and Standard Dosing

Administration Route Typical Adult Dosing Pattern Dosing Frequency Maximum Duration / Limit
Oral Tablet 200 to 300 mg total per day Divided two to four times daily Maximum 300 mg per day
Oromucosal (Local) 8.75 mg per lozenge or spray application Intermittently, every 3 to 6 hours Maximum 5 doses in 24 hours, limited to three days

Official Instructions and Constraints

The systemic oral tablet form is recommended to be administered with or immediately after food. The lozenge formulation, typically 8.75 mg, must be dissolved slowly in the mouth, with movement to prevent localized tissue effects.

For all forms, the general guideline is to use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration necessary for proper use. Dosing in pediatric patients under 12 years is generally not recommended, and those with hepatic or renal impairment may require a reduced starting dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies

Phase III Trial Summary

This section outlines research that has investigated the substance and results recorded for participants.

Phase III trials have investigated Teva-Flurbiprofen for chronic pain conditions. Differences were recorded in the pain measurements and inflammatory markers between the treatment group and the placebo group.

In a large-scale, two-year study, the data collected related to symptoms in the Teva-Flurbiprofen group were compared with those in the standard-of-care regimen group.

Long-term studies explored the effects of Teva-Flurbiprofen. Short-term study data was collected on the timing of symptom measurement.

Studies explored the use of Teva-Flurbiprofen as an option in certain treatment protocols.

Combination Therapy

Data from trials that combined Teva-Flurbiprofen and Drug Y were compared to those of Teva-Flurbiprofen monotherapy.

Research has explored whether the combination of Teva-Flurbiprofen and Drug Y yielded varying long-term measurements for participants with mild symptoms.

Key Studies & References

  1. Assessment of Combination Therapy Involving Flurbiprofen and Opioids in Moderate-to-Severe Pain: A Phase III Trial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Teva-Flurbiprofen (FAQ)


Q: What are the main conditions Teva-Flurbiprofen is commonly prescribed to treat?

According to official product information, the systemic tablet form of this medicine is indicated for managing the signs and symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions. This primarily includes the management of signs and symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also sometimes indicated for relieving acute pain, such as primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).


Q: Does Teva-Flurbiprofen affect blood pressure?

Regulatory documents state that this medicine, and its class (NSAIDs), can be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. It can cause the onset of new high blood pressure (hypertension) or worsen existing high blood pressure. Official label information recommends caution for patients with existing high blood pressure.


Q: Is Teva-Flurbiprofen a generic or a brand name drug?

The core drug substance, Flurbiprofen, is the generic name for the active ingredient. Teva-Flurbiprofen refers to the specific product manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals that contains the generic Flurbiprofen ingredient. The product may be referred to under various brand names depending on the market.


Q: Is Teva-Flurbiprofen considered safe for short-term use?

Official guidance advises that this medicine be used at the lowest effective dosage and for the shortest duration possible to meet treatment goals. This recommendation exists because the risk of serious adverse events, such as gastrointestinal or cardiovascular problems, is described in regulatory documents as potentially increasing with the duration of use.


Q: Why do some people take Teva-Flurbiprofen for dental pain?

While the main regulatory indications for the tablet form are chronic conditions like arthritis, the drug's core function is to provide relief from pain and swelling (anti-inflammatory effect). For this reason, its use to manage acute discomfort related to dental procedures is consistent with the drug’s general mechanism.


Q: What are the signs of a non-serious allergic reaction to Teva-Flurbiprofen?

Patients with a known allergy to flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs are prohibited from using the medicine. Signs of a less serious allergic reaction may include developing hives or a rash, or experiencing swelling of the face or throat. If any signs of a potential allergic reaction appear, official instructions note the importance of promptly consulting a healthcare provider.


Q: What is the difference between flurbiprofen and Teva-Flurbiprofen?

The distinction is that Flurbiprofen is the name of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which is the substance responsible for the therapeutic effect. Teva-Flurbiprofen is the name given to the specific pharmaceutical product containing Flurbiprofen when manufactured and supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals.


Q: Does Teva-Flurbiprofen make you retain water?

Regulatory labeling for this class of medicine notes that fluid retention (edema) has been observed as a potential adverse reaction in some patients. Official labeling suggests caution in individuals with fluid retention or certain heart conditions due to this possibility.


Q: How quickly should I expect Teva-Flurbiprofen to start working after I take it?

The expected onset of effect can depend on the condition being treated. For general, acute pain relief, the effects may begin to be noticeable within one hour. However, when treating chronic conditions like arthritis, the full therapeutic benefit may take longer, sometimes up to one to two weeks of regular use.


Q: Is it safe to take Teva-Flurbiprofen at the same time as Tylenol (acetaminophen)?

Regulatory drug interaction databases indicate that documented interactions exist between flurbiprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol). Because combining medicines can increase risk, official sources state the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional regarding the use of these two medicines together.


Q: Can I take Teva-Flurbiprofen if I have asthma?

Patients who have a history of aspirin-sensitive asthma should not use Teva-Flurbiprofen as it is contraindicated. The risk is that the drug could trigger serious allergic reactions, including sudden bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways). Regulatory information indicates that patients with asthma should use caution, and use is prohibited for those with aspirin-sensitive asthma.


Q: Is Teva-Flurbiprofen available without a prescription?

The systemic oral tablet form of this medicine is generally classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM). However, lower-dose, localized preparations of flurbiprofen, such as lozenges or oral sprays for sore throat relief, may be classified as over-the-counter (OTC) products and available without a prescription.


Q: Is it possible to crush Teva-Flurbiprofen tablets?

Regulatory-aligned patient medication guides indicate that splitting, chewing, or crushing the tablets is generally not recommended. Doing so may cause local irritation in the mouth and potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.


Q: What if I miss a scheduled dose of Teva-Flurbiprofen?

If a dose is missed, regulatory sources describe taking the medicine as soon as possible if remembered. However, it is explicitly advised that you do not take double doses or extra doses to compensate for the missed one. Regular dosing should then continue as scheduled.


Q: Can I use Teva-Flurbiprofen if I am lactose intolerant? (Regarding inactive ingredients)

This is a valid concern because some tablet formulations contain lactose monohydrate as an inactive ingredient (or excipient). It is important for patients with lactose intolerance to verify the specific ingredient list on the patient information leaflet for the product dispensed.


Q: What does the term 'contraindication' mean in relation to Teva-Flurbiprofen?

The term contraindication refers to a specific condition, state, or factor that makes the use of a particular drug potentially harmful. In the context of Teva-Flurbiprofen, regulatory bodies have identified certain medical conditions (e.g., severe heart failure, late-stage pregnancy) that prohibit its use entirely due to serious risk.

How should Teva-Flurbiprofen be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

The storage and disposal instructions for Teva-Flurbiprofen are established by regulatory authorities to ensure product stability and safety.

Condition Requirement
Temperature & Environment Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep ophthalmic solutions from freezing.
Container Integrity The medication must be kept in its original container, which should be kept tightly closed at all times.
Child Safety Store the medicine in a safe, up-and-away location that is out of the sight and reach of children. Safety caps should always be locked.
Aseptic Handling For ophthalmic drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
Disposal Instructions Consult a healthcare professional on how to dispose of any unused or expired medicine. The bulk chemical should not be released into the environment, and discard should follow local, regional, and national regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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