Strefen

Active Ingredients

Each lozenge contains: Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg.

Indications

Therapeutic group:

The active ingredient in this medicine is flurbiprofen which belongs to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) group. This group of substances provides relief by changing the body's reaction to pain, swelling and high fever.

Strefen is intended for the short-term relief of symptoms of sore throat such as throat soreness and swelling in adults and children over 12 years of age.

Instructions

This medicine is intended for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years of age:

The usual recommended dosage is one lozenge to be sucked on or dissolved in your mouth every 3-6 hours. Suck on the lozenge slowly, while slowly moving it around the inside of your mouth in order to prevent local imitation.

Do not take more than 5 lozenges in a 24-hour period.

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

This medicine is not intended for infants and children under 12 years of age.

Take the lowest possible effective dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms. If you feel irritation in your mouth, discontinue use of the medicine.

Do not take this medicine for more than 3 days, unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

I there is no improvement in your condition within 3 days, or your condition worsens, or if you suffer from new symptoms, refer to your doctor.

Warnings

Do not use Strefen if you hypersensitive (allergic) to flurbiprofen or any, of the other ingredients this medicine contains, to aspirin or other analgesics.

Do not use this medicine if you suffer or have suffered in the past from two or more episodes of a stomach ulcer, intestinal ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Do not use Strefen if you have experienced an asthma attack, unexpected wheezing or shortness of breath, appearance of an itchy rash (urticaria), runny nose or facial swelling after using aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Do not use this medicine if you have suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, severe colitis ( inflammation of the intestines) or bleeding while taking other NSAIDs.

Do not take this medicine if you take other NSAIDs (such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, etc.) or a dosage of aspirin that exceeds 75 mg per day.

Do not use this medicine if you suffer from severe heart failure, severe liver failure or severe kidney failure.

Do not use Strefen if you are in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Do not use Strefen if you are under 12 years of age.

Before treatment with Strefen, consult your doctor if:

• you suffer or have suffered in the past from asthma or you suffer from allergies.
• you suffer from tonsillitis or if you think you may have a bacterial throat infection (that can be treated with an antibiotics).
• you suffer from kidney, heart, or liver problems.
• you have had a stroke.
• you have suffered in the past from, gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.
• you suffer from a chronic autoimmune disease (such as systemic lupus or mixed connective tissue disease).
• you are over 65 years of age, since you have a higher likelihood of suffering from the side effects mentioned in the leaflet.
• you are in the first six months of pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

If you are taking or have recently taken other medicines, including non-prescription medicines and nutritional supplements, tell your doctor or pharmacist. In particular , inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

• a low dosage of aspirin (up to 75 mg per day).
• quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin ).
• prescription medicines intended for blood dilution or prevention of blood coagulation (such as warfarin).
• medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure or medicines for the treatment of heart failure ( antihypertensive or glycosides ).
• diuretics (including potassium-sparing medicines).
• medicines for blood dilution ( anticoagulants or antiplatelets ).
• medicines for gout (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone ).
• other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids such as: celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium or prednisolone.
• immunosuppressive medicines ( such as cyclosporine , tacrolimus ).
• phenytoin ( for treatment of epilepsy ).
• methotrexate (for treatment of autoimmune diseases or cancer).
• oral antidiabetics (for treatment of diabetes).
• lithium or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (for treatment of depression).
• mifepristone (medicine for pregnancy termination).
• Zidovudine (medicine for treatment of AIDS).

Abstain from alcohol consumption, during treatment with Strefen, since alcohol increases the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding.

Do not take this medicine during the last three months of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.

Consult your doctor about the use of Strefen during the first six months of pregnancy. Strefen belongs to a group of drugs that can temporarily impair fertility in women. This effect is reversible once you stop taking the medicine. It is unlikely that the medicine, taken infrequently, will affect your chances of getting pregnant. However, before taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have any known difficulties in getting pregnant.

Please do not consider this information as an alternative to consulting your physician or pharmacist.

For further information on instructions for use, risks and side effects, please read the patient package insert and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Read the patient package insert carefully before starting to take any medication.