Identifying the “93 711” Pill
When encountering an unknown pill, identifying its unique markings is the first step. The blue, round, film-coated tablet with the imprint “93 711” is Flurbiprofen 100 mg, produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Pill identifiers use combinations of imprint codes, color, shape, and size to narrow down the possibilities. The '93' typically refers to the manufacturer, while '711' denotes the specific drug and strength, in this case, 100 mg.
What is Flurbiprofen?
Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that functions by blocking the body's production of certain natural substances, known as prostaglandins, that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. As a prescription medication, it is more potent than over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen and is prescribed for specific inflammatory conditions. While the brand name version, Ansaid, has been discontinued, the generic form is widely available.
Common Therapeutic Uses
Doctors prescribe Flurbiprofen to relieve the symptoms of several conditions, but it does not cure them. Its primary uses include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Alleviating pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Osteoarthritis: Easing pain and stiffness in joints affected by cartilage breakdown.
- General pain: Treating mild to moderate pain from various causes.
- Back pain and sciatica: Reducing discomfort and inflammation.
- Period pain (menstrual cramps): Providing relief from pain and cramping.
Key Warnings and Safety Information
Like all NSAIDs, Flurbiprofen carries important warnings that patients should be aware of, including a boxed warning from the FDA concerning serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal events. NSAIDs like Flurbiprofen may increase the risk of serious, potentially fatal, cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, especially with prolonged use. They also increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal issues, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can occur without warning. Other potential serious side effects include kidney and liver problems. Flurbiprofen should not be used by individuals with a history of allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or during the later stages of pregnancy.
Comparison of Flurbiprofen and Common NSAIDs
| Feature | Flurbiprofen (93 711 pill) | Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Naproxen (Aleve) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Prescription NSAID | OTC NSAID | OTC NSAID |
| Strength | 100 mg | Typically 200 mg (OTC) | Typically 220 mg (OTC) |
| Primary Use | Rheumatoid & Osteoarthritis | General pain, fever, inflammation | General pain, inflammation, longer-lasting |
| Availability | Prescription only | Over-the-counter | Over-the-counter |
| Common Side Effects | GI upset, headache, dizziness | GI upset, headache | GI upset, headache, dizziness |
| Serious Risks | Cardiovascular, GI bleeding | Same as Flurbiprofen, but lower dose | Same as Flurbiprofen |
| Form | Blue, round tablet | Varies (tablets, gels, liquids) | Varies (tablets) |
Not to Be Confused with Viagra
Due to its blue color, the Flurbiprofen pill with imprint “93 711” is sometimes mistakenly identified as Viagra (Sildenafil). However, these are entirely different medications used for separate purposes and should not be confused. Flurbiprofen's active ingredient is flurbiprofen and it is used for pain and inflammation, while Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. While the original Viagra is a blue, diamond-shaped pill, generic Sildenafil can vary in appearance.
Conclusion
In summary, the blue, round tablet marked “93 711” is Flurbiprofen 100 mg, a prescription NSAID manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It is prescribed for the management of pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, among other conditions. For safety, it is vital to correctly identify your medications and to never use a medication prescribed for someone else. Due to its significant side effect profile, especially regarding cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, Flurbiprofen should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for proper identification and to discuss the risks and benefits associated with any medication.
For more detailed information on Flurbiprofen, refer to the full prescribing information available on authoritative sources like DailyMed.
