Fenbufen
Brand names Lederfen, Fenbuzip
Used in following combined preparations None
General INFORMATION
Fenbufen is prescribed to relieve the pain stiffness, and inflammation that may accompany a number of disorders. The drug is similar to aspirin in the way which it works (acting as an analgesic as well as an anti-inflammatory), and it is effective for treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. It also relieves the pain that may result from soft tissue injuries and following surgery.
In some cases, fenbufen is prescribed together with slower acting drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Fenbufen is less likely than some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to cause bleeding in the stomach, but it is more likely to cause a rash.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, capsules.
Frequency and timing of doses
2 x daily swallowed whole with water, with or after food.
Adult dosage range
900mg daily. Onset of effect
Pain relief begins in 1-2 hours. Full antiinflammatory effect in arthritic conditions may not be felt for up to 2 weeks.
Duration of action
10-12 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
When taken for short-term pain relief, fenbufen can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it. If prescribed for the long-term treatment of arthritis, however, you should seek medical advice before stopping the drug.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor immediately.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The most common adverse effects are the result of gastrointestinal disturbances. Blood in
vomit or black or bloodstained faeces should be reported to your doctor immediately.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The most common adverse effects are the result of gastrointestinal disturbances. Blood in vomit or black or bloodstained faeces should be reported to your doctor immediately.
INTERACTIONS
General note Fenbufen interacts with a wide range of drugs to increase the risk of bleeding and/or stomach ulcers. Such drugs include other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, oral anticoagulants, and corticosteroids.
Sulphonylurea antidiabetic drugs
Fenbufen may increase the effects of these drugs.
Lithium
Fenbufen may increase blood levels of lithium.
Methotrexate
Fenbufen may increase the toxicity of methotrexate.
Antibacterial drugs
There is a risk of fits occurring if acrosoxacin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, cinoxacin, or norfloxacin are taken with fenbufen.
Antihypertensive drugs and diuretics
The beneficial effects of these drugs may be reduced by fenbufen.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have high blood pressure. You have had a stomach ulcer, oesophagitis, or acid indigestion.
You are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
You have asthma.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May affect the unborn baby and may prolong labour. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 14 years.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No problems expected.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach disorders with fenbufen.
PROLONGED USE
There is an increased risk of bleeding: from stomach ulcers and in the bowel with prolonged use of fenbufen.
