Antadys® (flurbiprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In which cases is it indicated? Painful periods ? Endometriosis? Is a prescription needed? What are the risks ? Sterility? The contraindications?
What is Antadys?
Antadys® is a commercial specialty containing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: flurbiprofen. This medicine is used to symptomatically treat pain related in particular to inflammatory rheumatism, osteoarthritis, lumbago (back pain), compression of a spinal nerve. It also helps relieve the dysmenorrhea (period pain).
What are the effects of Antadys?
Through its mechanism of action, which aims to block the production of prostaglandins (substances involved in many reactions), Antadys® has several possible effects:
- anti-inflammatory
- analgesic
- antipyretic (against fever)
- short-term blockade of platelet functions
Is Antadys recommended in case of endometriosis?
In a patient suffering from endometriosis, taking an anti-inflammatory such as Antadys® helps to relieve painful crises. Thus, it is recommended in the management of pain in order to reduce its intensity. Its association with hormonal treatment often improves the quality of life of patients. However, long-term administration of anti-inflammatories should be avoided at the risk of inducing adverse effects affecting the stomach and kidneys.
Can Antadys make you sterile?
In fact, this medicine can harm the fertility of the woman by a deleterious action on ovulation. Its use should be excluded in patients wishing to conceive a child or undergoing a fertility check-up. In these circumstances, treated women should consider discontinuing Antadys®, in consultation with their doctor.
Can you drink alcohol if you have taken Antadys?
Taking Antadys® does not contraindicate the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages. Nevertheless, the concomitant association may promote the occurrence of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux.
Can we take Antadys and Doliprane?
the association Antadys® (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and Doliprane® (analgesic) can be considered, there are no drug interactions since they do not have the same mechanism of action. In addition, scientific studies have shown a better effectiveness of paracetamol combined with an anti-inflammatory compared to taking paracetamol alone. On the other hand, this association must remain punctual due to a possible accumulation of adverse effects affecting the liver and kidneys.
What are the effects of Antadys on menstruation?
The drug Antadys® is particularly indicated in the treatment of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). Its action which decreases the production of prostaglandins makes it possible to reduce contractions of the uterus and therefore the associated pain. For optimal relief, one tablet should be taken as soon as the pain occurs. 1 to 2 times a day. Regarding the abundance of periods, some studies show that Antadys® would reduce menstrual flow by reducing prostaglandins which expel blood during menstruation.
It is best taken with a meal.
What are the side effects of Antadys?
The drug Antadys® frequently exposes to gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn and intestinal discomfort resulting in bloating. For this reason, it is best taken with a meal. In addition, Antadys® may be responsible dizziness, headache, excess potassium in the blood, increased liver enzymes, kidney failure and edema caused by water and salt retention. Also, hives and itching were observed. More rarely, cardiovascular effects (palpitations, chest pain, heart failure), severe skin reactions, visual disturbances may occur. Likewise respiratory allergies have already been identified in patients allergic to another anti-inflammatory. In general, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of adverse effects by initiating treatment at the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
Is Antadys on prescription?
Yes, Antadys® is only available upon presentation of a prescription.
What contraindications?
The contraindications of Antadys® are:
- a allergy to one of the components
- a history of allergy or asthma caused by this drug or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation linked to a previous intake of NSAIDs
- a progressive ulcer, a history of recurrent ulcer or bleeding
- a Hepatic insufficiency severe or a heart failure strict
Taking flurbiprofen is formally contraindicated in children under 15 and pregnant women from the 6th month of pregnancy. Note that this medication is not recommended for pregnant women during the first two trimesters and for breastfeeding women. The combination of Antadys® with certain medications is not recommended, such as oral anticoagulants and heparins, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lithium (treatment of bipolar disorder) and methotrexate at weekly doses above 20 mg. Thus, increased vigilance is required when initiating such a drug combination.
Sources:
– Public drug database
– Management of endometriosis, method recommendations for clinical practice, HAS, December 2017.
– Bofill Rodriguez M., Lethaby A., Farquhar C. Are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs safe and effective for treating heavy menstrual bleeding? September 2019.