What Does Flurbiprofen Do? Understanding This Prescription NSAID

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

First approved in the United States in 1988, flurbiprofen is a potent prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It provides relief from conditions like arthritis by targeting the body's inflammatory response.

Quick Summary

Flurbiprofen is a prescription NSAID that inhibits COX enzymes to reduce pain and inflammation, commonly used for arthritis. It is available in oral and localized forms like lozenges or sprays, offering relief from symptoms.

Key Points

Prescription NSAID: Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available by prescription for systemic use in the U.S.
Mechanism of Action: It primarily works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which in turn blocks the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.
Main Uses: Oral flurbiprofen is predominantly prescribed to treat the symptoms of chronic arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Localized Forms: Low-dose lozenges and sprays are available in some countries for the local, rapid relief of sore throat pain.
Serious Risks: The medication carries boxed warnings for potentially serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events, including heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
Medical Supervision: Due to potential side effects and interactions, use should be managed under the careful supervision of a healthcare provider.
Not an OTC Drug: Unlike ibuprofen, oral flurbiprofen is not sold over-the-counter in the United States.
Not a Narcotic: It is an NSAID and not a narcotic or opioid.

What is flurbiprofen and how does it work?

Flurbiprofen is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the same class as ibuprofen and naproxen. It is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. Flurbiprofen works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. Flurbiprofen inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. While COX-1 is involved in protective functions like maintaining the stomach lining, COX-2 is mainly active during inflammation. By blocking both, flurbiprofen effectively reduces inflammation but also increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. It is known for its potency and is absorbed quickly by the body.

The therapeutic uses of flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen is prescribed for various inflammatory conditions, with different formulations used for different purposes.

Oral flurbiprofen (tablets)

Arthritis: In the United States, oral flurbiprofen is primarily used to manage the symptoms of chronic arthritis. It is effective for:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Helps reduce pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by joint cartilage degeneration.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Eases symptoms resulting from the immune system attacking the joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Although not a primary indication, it may also be prescribed for this form of spinal arthritis.

Topical flurbiprofen (lozenges, sprays)

Sore Throat and Pharyngitis: In some countries, low-dose flurbiprofen is available as lozenges and sprays that are applied directly to the throat. This localized treatment offers fast and lasting relief from symptoms like pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing, even in severe cases.

Important warnings and potential side effects

Like other NSAIDs, flurbiprofen comes with significant warnings and risks, and its use should be closely monitored by a doctor. The medication carries boxed warnings regarding increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially with prolonged use. It should not be used for pain before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. There is also a boxed warning for serious gastrointestinal issues like bleeding, ulcers, and perforations. Elderly patients and those with a history of GI problems face a higher risk. Other potential serious effects include kidney damage, liver issues, and high blood pressure. Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and digestive issues.

Flurbiprofen versus ibuprofen: A comparison

Although both are NSAIDs in the same chemical class, they have key differences in their use and how they are accessed.


Feature	Flurbiprofen	Ibuprofen
Availability (U.S.)	Primarily prescription-only for systemic use.	Available over-the-counter (OTC) in lower doses, prescription in higher doses.
Primary Indication (Oral)	Chronic arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.	Broader use for mild-to-moderate pain, fever, menstrual cramps, and arthritis.
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.	Inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
Onset/Efficacy	Effective for arthritis; also used in localized formulations for rapid sore throat relief.	Studies suggest similar efficacy for arthritis but a broader range of applications.
Risk Profile	Shares cardiovascular and GI risks with other NSAIDs; requires medical monitoring.	Shares cardiovascular and GI risks with other NSAIDs, but generally more widely used and reviewed.

Conclusion

Flurbiprofen is a potent NSAID effective in reducing moderate pain and inflammation, particularly in cases of arthritis. Its action of blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes is effective but also leads to significant risks, such as serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. The availability of different forms, like oral tablets for systemic treatment and localized lozenges or sprays for sore throats, allows for flexible use. Due to its potent effects and potential side effects, the systemic form is a prescription medication requiring careful medical supervision. Patients should be aware of the serious warnings associated with NSAIDs and discuss their health history with their doctor before starting this medication.

Where to find authoritative information

For more detailed prescribing information and boxed warnings, consult the FDA-mandated Medication Guide provided by the manufacturer.

{Link: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a687005.html}

{Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/pro/flurbiprofen-tablets.html}

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while both are NSAIDs in the same chemical class, they are not identical. Flurbiprofen is a prescription medication primarily for arthritis in its oral tablet form, whereas ibuprofen is widely available over-the-counter for a broader range of pain and fever conditions.

The main therapeutic use of oral flurbiprofen in the U.S. is to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and upset stomach.

Flurbiprofen carries boxed warnings for serious cardiovascular issues, like heart attack and stroke, and serious gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding and ulcers. It can also affect kidney and liver function.

In some countries, low-dose flurbiprofen is available in localized forms like lozenges or sprays specifically for the symptomatic relief of sore throat and pharyngitis. This application is distinct from its systemic oral use.

No, flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), not a narcotic. It works differently from opioids to relieve pain and swelling.

No, in the United States, oral flurbiprofen is a prescription-only medication. It is not available over-the-counter.

It is often recommended to take flurbiprofen with food, milk, or antacids to minimize the risk of stomach upset, although administration with food can alter the rate but not the extent of its absorption.