Flurbiprofen

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Flurbiprofen tablets are indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Flurbiprofen tablets are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis ( 1 ) Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of flurbiprofen tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use flurbiprofen tablets. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. After observing the response to initial therapy with flurbiprofen tablets, the dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs. For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, the dosage is 200 to 300 mg per day, divided for administration two, three, or four times a day. The largest recommended single dose in a multiple-dose daily regimen is 100 mg. Use the lowest effective dosage for shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals ( 2 ) The recommended starting dose of flurbiprofen tablets is 200 to 300 mg per day, divided for administration two, three, or four times a day. The largest recommended single dose in a multiple-dose daily regimen is 100 mg ( 2 )

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity : Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop ( 5.3 ) Hypertension : Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure ( 5.4 , 7 ) Heart Failure and Edema : Avoid use of flurbiprofen in patients with severe heart failure unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening heart failure (5.5) Renal Toxicity : Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Avoid use of flurbiprofen in patients with advanced renal disease unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening renal function ( 5.6 ) Anaphylactic Reactions : Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs ( 5.7 ) Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity : Flurbiprofen is contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Monitor patients with preexisting asthma (without aspirin sensitivity) ( 5.8 ) Serious Skin Reactions : Discontinue flurbiprofen at first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity ( 5.9 ) Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) : Discontinue and evaluate clinically ( 5.10 ). Fetal Toxicity : Limit use of NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen tablets, between about 20 to 30 weeks in pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus ( 5.11 , 8.1 ). Hematologic Toxicity : Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia ( 5.12 , 7 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently at higher doses. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur. There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as flurbiprofen, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10 to 14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG [ see Contraindications (4) ]. Post-MI Patients Observational studies conducted in the Danish National Registry h…

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Flurbiprofen tablets are contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to flurbiprofen or any components of the drug product [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.9) ] History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported in such patients [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.8) ]. In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Known hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen or any components of the drug product ( 5.7 , 5.9 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs ( 5.7 , 5.8 ) In the setting of CABG surgery ( 5.1 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 1 for clinically significant drug interactions with flurbiprofen. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Flurbiprofen Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Flurbiprofen and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of flurbiprofen and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of flurbiprofen with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Concurrent administration of aspirin lowers serum flurbiprofen concentrations. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known. Intervention: Concomitant use of flurbiprofen and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Flurbiprofen is not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection. ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or beta-blockers (including propranolol). In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, coadministration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Intervention: During concomitant use of flurbiprofen and ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained. During concomitant use of flurbiprofen and ACE-inhibitors or ARBs in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted, or have impaired renal function, monitor for signs of worsening renal function [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. When drugs are administered concomitantly, patients should be adequately hydrated. Assess renal function at the beginning of the concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, showed that NSAIDs reduced the natriuretic effect of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics in some patients. This effect has been attributed to the NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of flurbiprofen with diuretics, observe patients for signs of worsening renal function, in addition to assuring diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Digoxin Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of flurbiprofen with digoxin has been reported to increase the serum concentration and prolong the half-life of digoxin [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: During concomitant use of flurbiprofen and digoxin, monitor serum digoxin levels. Lithium Clinical Impact: NSAIDs have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentrat…

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen tablets, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of flurbiprofen tablets use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid flurbiprofen tablets use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy [ see Clinical Considerations , Data ]. Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen tablets, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in U.S. population, all clinically recognized pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. In the general have a background rate of 2 to 4% for major malformations, and 15 to 20% for pregnancy loss. In animal reproduction studies, delayed parturition, prolonged labor, stillborn fetuses, and the presence of retained fetuses at necropsy occurred following treatment of pregnant rats treated with oral flurbiprofen throughout gestation until labor at less than 1-time the human dose of 300 mg/day. Embryofetal lethality was seen in pregnant rats and rabbits administered oral flurbiprofen during the period of organogenesis at exposures 0.03-times and 0.5 times, respectively, the human dose of 300 mg. No evidence of malformations were noted in rats, rabbits, or mice treated with flurbiprofen during the period of organogenesis at doses that were 0.8-, 0.5-, and 0.2-times the maximum human daily dose [ see Data ]. Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as flurbiprofen, resulted in increased pre- and post-implantation loss. Prostaglandins also have been shown to have an important role in fetal kidney development. In published animal studies, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been reported to impair kidney development when administered at clinically relevant doses. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy, because NSAIDs, including flurbiprofen tablets, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus [ see Data ]. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment If an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy, limit the use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. If flurbiprofen tablets treatment extends beyond 48 hours, consider monitoring with ultrasound for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue flurbiprofen tablets and follow up according to clinical practice [ see Data ]. Data Human Data Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment: Published studies and postmarketing reports describe maternal NSAID use at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy associated with fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. These adverse outcomes are seen, on average, after days to weeks of treatment, although oligohydramnios has been infrequently reported as soon as 48 hours after NSAID initiation. In many cases,…

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 3% from clinical trials) are: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, edema, signs and symptoms suggesting urinary tract infection ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Allucent at 1-866-511-6754 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch for voluntary reporting of adverse reactions. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Incidence of 1% or greater Body as a whole: edema Digestive system: GI bleeding, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia/heartburn, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes Metabolic and nutritional system: body weight changes Nervous system: headache, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, increased reflexes, tremor, amnesia, asthenia, depression, malaise, somnolence Respiratory system: rhinitis Skin and appendages: rash Special senses: changes in vision, dizziness, tinnitus Urogenital system: signs and symptoms suggesting urinary tract infection Incidence < 1 % Body as a whole: anaphylactic reaction, chills, fever Cardiovascular system: myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, vascular diseases, vasodilation Digestive system: gastric/peptic ulcer disease, hematemesis, bloody diarrhea, hepatitis, esophageal disease, gastritis, stomatitis/glossitis, dry mouth Hemic and lymphatic system: iron deficiency anemia, decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit, purpura, eosinophilia Metabolic and nutritional system: hyperuricemia Nervous system: cerebrovascular ischemia, convulsion, ataxia, confusion, hypertonia, paresthesia, twitching, emotional lability Respiratory system: asthma, dyspnea, epistaxis, bronchitis, laryngitis Skin and appendages: angioedema, urticaria, eczema, pruritus, herpes simplex, alopecia, dry skin Special senses: vertigo, corneal opacity, parosmia, conjunctivitis Urogenital system: renal failure, vaginal hemorrhage, hematuria 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of flurbiprofen. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular system: angina pectoris, arrhythmias Digestive system: jaundice (cholestatic and noncholestatic), colitis, small intestine inflammation with loss of blood and protein, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease, cholecystitis, periodontal abscess, appetite changes Hemic and lymphatic system: aplastic anemia (including agranulocytosis or pancytopenia), hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, ecchymosis, lymphadenopathy Metabolic and nutritional system: hyperkalemia Nervous system: cerebrovascular accident, subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, myasthenia Respiratory system: pulmonary infarct, pulmonary embolism, hyperventilation, Skin and appendages: toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, zoster, photosensitivity, nail disorder, sweating Special senses: re…