Consumer medicine information

Brufen Pain

Ibuprofen

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Brufen Pain

Active ingredient

Ibuprofen

Schedule

S3 | S2

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Brufen Pain.

SUMMARY CMI

BRUFEN® PAIN

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Brufen® Pain?

Brufen® Pain contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. Brufen® Pain is used for the temporary relief of pain and/or inflammation associated with headache, migraine headache, tension headache, sinus pain, toothache, dental procedures, backache, muscular aches and pains, period pain, sore throat, tennis elbow, arthritis, rheumatic pain, and the aches and pains associated with colds and flu. It also reduces fever.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Brufen® Pain? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Brufen® Pain?

Do not use if you have allergy to ibuprofen, aspirin, NSAIDs or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Brufen® Pain? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Brufen® Pain and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Brufen® Pain?

  • Adults and Children from 12 years: One tablet every 4 to 6 hours as necessary. Do not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.
  • Do not give to children under 12.
  • Do not exceed recommended dose. Excessive use can be harmful and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or liver damage.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Brufen® Pain? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Brufen® Pain?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Brufen® Pain.
  • If you become pregnant while taking this medicine tell your doctor immediately.
  • If you are going to have surgery, make sure the surgeon and anaesthetist knows you are taking Brufen® Pain. NSAID medicines can slow down blood clotting.
Things you should not do
  • Do not take Brufen® Pain with any other medicines containing ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your pharmacist or doctor tells you to.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Brufen® Pain affects you. Brufen® Pain may cause dizziness in some people. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.
Drinking alcohol
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Brufen® Pain? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

  • Side effects are uncommon. The most common of these include headache, nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

BRUFEN® PAIN

Active ingredient(s): Ibuprofen


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Brufen® Pain. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Brufen® Pain.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Brufen® Pain?
2. What should I know before I use Brufen® Pain?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Brufen® Pain?
5. What should I know while using Brufen® Pain?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Brufen® Pain?

Brufen® Pain contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. Brufen® Pain belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs).

Brufen® Pain is used for the temporary relief of pain and/ or inflammation associated with headache, migraine headache, tension headache, sinus pain, toothache, dental procedures, backache, muscular aches and pains, period pain, sore throat, tennis elbow, arthritis, rheumatic pain, and the aches and pains associated with colds and flu. It also reduces fever.

2. What should I know before I use Brufen®Pain?

Warnings

Do not use Brufen® Pain if:

  • you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, NSAIDs or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    Many medicines used to treat headache, period pain and other aches and pains contain aspirin or NSAID medicines. If you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines, ask your pharmacist.
    Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
    Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    - shortness of breath;
    - wheezing or difficulty breathing;
    - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; and rash, itching or hives on skin.
  • you have asthma that is sensitive to aspirin or NSAIDs
  • you have a peptic ulcer (ie stomach or duodenal ulcer), or a recent history of one, or have had peptic ulcers before;
  • you have recently (or have previously) vomited blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • you have recently (or previously) bled from the back passage (rectum), had black sticky bowel motions (stools) or bloody diarrhoea
  • you have a condition resulting in an increased tendency to bleed
  • you have or have had a history of, Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
  • you have severe kidney disease
  • you have severe heart failure
  • you have severe liver disease
  • you are being treated for pain following heart bypass surgery

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
  • take any medicines for any other condition
  • have asthma
  • have heart disease or high blood pressure
  • have heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcer or any other stomach problems
  • are vomiting blood or bleeding from the back passage
  • have severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • have vision problems
  • have liver or kidney disease
  • have a tendency to bleed or other blood problems
  • have bowel or intestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis
  • have heart failure
  • have swelling of ankles or feet
  • have diarrhoea
  • If you are over 65 years of age, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about taking Brufen® Pain. Taking this medicine may increase the risk of you getting unwanted effects, such as stomach or heart problems.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you currently have an infection.
  • If you take Brufen® Pain while you have an infection, it may hide some of the signs and symptoms of an infection. This may make you think, mistakenly, that you are better or that it is not serious.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you plan to have surgery.
  • During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Brufen® Pain is only available from your pharmacist.

Brufen® Pain is not addictive.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Brufen® Pain if you are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant or during the first 6 months of pregnancy, except on doctor's advice. Do not use at all in the last three months of pregnancy.

It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. It may also impair female fertility.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Like most NSAID medicines, Brufen® Pain is not recommended while you are breast-feeding.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and ibuprofen may interfere with each other. These include:

  • warfarin or clopidogrel, medicines used to stop blood clots
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
  • SSRIs such as sertraline, medicines used to treat depression
  • medicines used to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions
  • methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
  • medicines used to treat heart failure such as digoxin
  • medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and cortisone, which reduce the activity of your immune system
  • cyclosporine or tacrolimus, medicines used to treat certain problems with the immune system or to help prevent organ transplant rejection
  • aminoglycosides, medicines used to treat certain infections
  • quinolone antibiotics, medicines used to treat certain infections
  • mifepristone, a medicine used to bring about an abortion
  • zidovudine, a medicine used to treat HIV infection
  • aspirin, salicylates and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • medicines used to treat diabetes
  • probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
  • phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy.

These medicines may be affected by Brufen® Pain, or may affect how well it works. You may need to take different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Brufen® Pain.

4. How do I use Brufen® Pain?

How much to take / use

  • Adults and Children from 12 years: One tablet every 4 to 6 hours as necessary.
  • Do not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.
  • Do not give to children under 12.
  • Follow the instructions provided with the medicine.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
  • Excessive use can be harmful and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and liver damage.

When to take / use Brufen® Pain

  • Take Brufen® Pain by mouth with water.
  • Brufen® Pain should not be used for more than 3 days at a time, except on medical advice.

If you use too much Brufen® Pain

If you think that you have used too much Brufen® Pain, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (Australia telephone 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Brufen® Pain?

Things you should do

  • If you become pregnant while taking this medicine tell your doctor immediately.
  • If you are going to have surgery, make sure the surgeon and anaesthetist know you are taking Brufen® Pain.
    NSAID medicines can slow down blood clotting.
  • Tell your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Your pharmacist or doctor will assess your conditions and decide if you should continue to take the medicine.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Brufen® Pain.

Things you should not do

  • Do not take Brufen® Pain with any other medicines containing ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not take Brufen® Pain to treat any other complaints unless your pharmacist or doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your pharmacist or doctor tells you to.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Brufen® Pain affects you.

Brufen® Pain may cause dizziness in some people. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do

Stomach related:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • cramps, wind, constipation or diarrhoea
  • heartburn, or pain in the upper part of your stomach
  • loss of appetite

Head related:

  • buzzing or ringing in the ears or other trouble hearing
  • headache
  • sleeplessness,
  • changes in mood, for example depression, confusion, nervousness
  • dizziness
  • sleepiness
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do

Blood related:

  • vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • bleeding from the back passage, black sticky bowel motions (stools) or bloody diarrhoea
  • blood disorders may occur with this medicine.
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
  • signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, headaches, being short of breath and looking pale

Skin related:

  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals (Stevens Johnson Syndrome)
  • symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching swelling, blistering) which may occur more quickly than usual

Heart related:

  • This medicine may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • fast or irregular heartbeats, also called palpitations

Stomach related:

  • severe pain or tenderness in the stomach
  • nausea, stomach ache

Head related:

  • severe or persistent headache

Immune system related:

  • headache and stiff neck
  • fever, generally feeling unwell,
  • signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers

Eye related:

  • eye problems such as blurred vision, sore red eyes, itching

Liver related:

  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also called jaundice

Kidney related:

  • unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles or legs
  • fluid retention
  • tingling of the hands and feet

Allergy related:

  • asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing

  • hives, itching or skin rash
  • stomach ache, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting
  • fainting

If you are allergic to aspirin or NSAID medicines and take Brufen® Pain, these allergy related symptoms may be severe.

Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

7. Product details

This medicine is available over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription.

What Brufen® Pain contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
Ibuprofen
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
Microcrystalline cellulose
Povidone
Croscarmellose sodium
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Stearic acid
Macrogol 6000
Hypromellose
Titanium dioxide
Purified talc
Potential allergensLactose monohydrate

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Brufen® Pain looks like

Brufen® Pain tablets (AUST R 401754) are white to off-white, pillow-shaped, film coated tablets plain on both sides.

Brufen® Pain is available in cartons with PVC/Aluminium blister packs containing 10, 28 or 50 tablets*

* Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Who distributes Brufen® Pain

Sponsor

Medreich Australia Pty Ltd
Unit 8, Homebush Business Village
11-21 Underwood Road,
Homebush, NSW 2140
AUSTRALIA

Distributor

Viatris Pty Ltd
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone: 1800 274 276

This leaflet was prepared in August 2023.

BRUFEN® is a Viatris company trade mark

Brufen Pain_cmi\Aug23/00

Published by MIMS October 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Brufen Pain

Active ingredient

Ibuprofen

Schedule

S3 | S2

 

1 Name of Medicine

Ibuprofen.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each tablet contains 400 mg of ibuprofen as the active ingredient.

Excipients with known effect.

Contains sugars (as lactose).
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

White to off-white, pillow-shaped, film coated tablets, plain on both sides.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For the temporary relief of pain and/or inflammation associated with headache, migraine headache, tension headache, sinus pain, toothache, dental procedures, backache, muscular aches and pains, period pain, sore throat, tennis elbow, arthritis, rheumatic pain and aches and pains associated with colds and flu. Reduces fever.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Adults and children 12 years and over.

The recommended dose is one tablet to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as necessary. (Maximum 3 tablets in 24 hours).
Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Pregnancy.

See Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation.

Children under 12 years.

Brufen Pain should not be administered to children aged less than 12 years.
This product should not be used for more than 3 days at a time except on medical advice, in which case the patient should be reviewed regularly with regards to efficacy, risk factors and ongoing need for treatment. Excessive use can be harmful and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or liver damage.

4.3 Contraindications

Ibuprofen is contraindicated for use in patients with:
known hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to ibuprofen (or any of the inactive ingredients);
known hypersensitivity to aspirin and other NSAIDs;
asthma that is aspirin or NSAID sensitive;
active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulceration;
renal impairment;
heart failure;
severe liver impairment;
undergoing treatment of perioperative pain in a setting of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
Use of ibuprofen is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation).
Ibuprofen should not be taken with other products containing ibuprofen or with other anti-inflammatory medicines.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Ibuprofen should be used with caution in patients with:
Previous history of gastrointestinal haemorrhage or ulcers;
Asthma who have not previously taken NSAID;
Hepatic, or cardiac impairment;
Pregnancy (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation);
Elderly (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in the elderly);
Ibuprofen should be taken with caution with other products containing aspirin or salicylates;
As with other NSAIDs, excessive use of ibuprofen may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or liver damage in both patients with predisposing cardiovascular risk factors and in normal patients.
See Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, for additional information.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects.

Observational studies have indicated that NSAIDs may be associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which may increase with dose or duration of use.
Patients with cardiovascular disease, history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors may also be at greater risk.
Patients should be advised to remain alert for such cardiovascular events, even in the absence of previous cardiovascular symptoms. Patients should be informed about signs and/or symptoms of serious cardiovascular toxicity and the steps to take if they occur.
Fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy. Patients taking antihypertensives with NSAIDs may have an impaired antihypertensive response.
Brufen Pain tablets should be used with caution in patients with hypertension (also see Section 4.3 Contraindications, heart failure).

Gastrointestinal (GI).

NSAIDS should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as their condition may be exacerbated (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Gastrointestinal GI bleeding, ulceration and perforation which can be fatal, have been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events. The frequency of such events may increase with dose or duration of use. Patients at most risk of developing these types of GI complications with NSAIDs are the elderly, patients using concomitant aspirin, patients with a history of, or active GI disease (e.g. ulceration, GI bleeding or inflammatory conditions) and patients with a history of smoking and alcoholism.
Ibuprofen should be used only under medical advice in:
Patients with previous history of GI haemorrhage or ulcers (also see Section 4.3 Contraindications, active GI bleeding or peptic ulceration). Patients should report any new or unusual abdominal symptoms during treatment. If GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn immediately. Appropriate clinical evaluation and treatment should be considered.
Patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin or other NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors.

Respiratory.

Ibuprofen should be used only under medical advice in patients with, or a previous history of, bronchial asthma or allergic disease because bronchospasm may be precipitated in these patients.

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease.

Ibuprofen should be used with caution in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease as there is a risk of increased aseptic meningitis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia with Systemic Symptoms (see Drug reaction with eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DRESS)) and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). These serious adverse events are idiosyncratic and are independent of dose or duration of use. Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy, the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Ibuprofen use should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity and medical advice should be sought immediately.

Severe skin reactions.

Severe skin reactions such as acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) may occur with ibuprofen-containing products. The acute pustular eruption may occur within the first 2 days of treatment, with fever, and numerous, small, mostly non-follicular pustules arising on a widespread oedematous erythema and mainly localised on the skin folds, trunk and upper extremities. Patients should be carefully monitored. If signs and symptoms such as pyrexia, erythema, or many small pustules are observed, administration of Brufen Pain tablets should be discontinued, and appropriate measures taken if needed.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DRESS).

DRESS has been reported in patients using NSAIDs. Some of these events have been fatal or life threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling. Other clinical manifestations may include hepatitis, nephritis, haematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis. Sometimes symptoms of DRESS may resemble an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its presentation, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, discontinue the NSAID and evaluate the patient immediately.

Masking of symptoms of underlying infections.

Brufen Pain tablets can mask symptoms of infection. This has been observed in bacterial community acquired pneumonia and bacterial complications to varicella. When Brufen Pain tablets are administered for fever or pain relief in relation infection, monitoring of infection is advised. In non-hospital settings the patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Use in hepatic impairment.

As with other NSAIDs elevations of one or more liver function tests may occur in up to 15% of patients. These abnormalities may progress, may remain essentially unchanged, or may resolve with continued therapy. Meaningful elevations (three times the upper limit of normal) of ALT or AST occurred in controlled clinical trials in less than 1% of patients.
Ibuprofen has been reported to have a minor and transient effect on liver enzymes. Therefore, Brufen Pain tablets should be used with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction.
Patients should be advised to remain alert for hepatotoxicity and be informed about the signs and/or symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g. nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, jaundice, abdominal tenderness in the right upper quadrant and "flu-like" symptoms).

Use in the elderly.

Ibuprofen should not be taken by adults over the age of 65 without careful consideration of co-morbidities and co-medications because of an increased risk of adverse effects, in particular heart failure, gastro-intestinal ulceration and renal impairment (also see Section 4.3 Contraindications, renal impairment, heart failure).

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The following interactions with ibuprofen have been noted:

Anticoagulant-including warfarin.

Ibuprofen interferes with the stability of INR and may increase the risk of severe bleeding and sometimes-fatal haemorrhage, especially from the gastrointestinal tract. Ibuprofen should only be used in patients taking warfarin if absolutely necessary and they must be closely monitored.

Lithium.

Ibuprofen may decrease the renal clearance and increase plasma concentrations of lithium.

Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Cardiac glycosides.

Ibuprofen may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and may increase plasma glycoside levels.

Ciclosporin.

Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

Corticosteroids.

An increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may occur with corticosteroids.

Methotrexate.

Ibuprofen reduces methotrexate clearance.

Mifepristone.

NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.

Quinolone antibiotics.

Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.

Tacrolimus.

Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.

Zidovudine.

Concurrent administration with ibuprofen may prolong bleeding time in patients.

Antidiabetic medicines, probenecid and phenytoin.

Interactions may also occur with probenecid and phenytoin.

ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics.

Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs may reduce the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitor and beta-blockers and diuretics and may cause natriuresis and hyperkalemia in patients under these treatments. Combination use of an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist, and anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor) and a diuretic increases the risk of renal impairment. The combination of drugs from these three classes should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.

NSAIDs and aspirin.

Concurrent use of ibuprofen with aspirin or other NSAIDs can lead to increased gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Lactose.

This medicine contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary forms of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome should not take this medicine.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The use of ibuprofen may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of ibuprofen should be considered.
(Category C)
Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and, when given during the latter part of pregnancy, may cause closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, oligohydramnios, fetal renal impairment, inhibition of platelet aggregation and may delay labour and birth. Use of ibuprofen is thus contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy, including the last few days before expected birth.
Data from epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage after the use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy.
Further, there is insufficient experience about the safety of use of ibuprofen in humans during pregnancy. Brufen Pain tablets should therefore not be used during the first 6 months of pregnancy unless the potential benefits to the patient outweigh the possible risk to the foetus.

Oligohydramnios and neonatal renal impairment.

Use of NSAIDs from about 20 weeks gestation may cause neonatal 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. Oligohydramnios is often, but not always, reversible with treatment discontinuation.
Complications of prolonged oligohydramnios may, for example, include limb contractures and delayed lung maturation. In some post-marketing cases of impaired neonatal renal function, invasive procedures such as exchange transfusion or dialysis were required.
If, after careful consideration of alternative treatment options for pain management, NSAID treatment is necessary from about 20 weeks, limit use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if treatment extends beyond 48 hours. Discontinue treatment with NSAIDs if oligohydramnios occurs.
Ibuprofen appears in breast milk in very low concentrations and is unlikely to affect the breast fed infant adversely.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse effects with non-prescription (OTC) or short-term use ibuprofen are rare and may include:
Gastrointestinal - dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea.
Central nervous system (CNS) - dizziness, fatigue, headache, nervousness.
Hypersensitivity reactions - skin rashes and itching. Rarely exfoliative dermatitis and epidermal necrolysis have been reported with ibuprofen.
Rare cases of photosensitivity.
Cardiovascular fluid retention and in some cases oedema. These effects are rare at non-prescription doses.
The frequencies of adverse effects are defined as follows:
Very common: > 1/10; common: > 1/100, < 1/10; uncommon: > 1/1,000, < 1/100; rare: > 1/10,000, < 1/1,000; very rare: < 1/10,000, including isolated reports.
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of:
a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis;
b) respiratory tract reactivity e.g. asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea;
c) Assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and more rarely bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
The following adverse effects relates to those experienced with ibuprofen at OTC doses, for short-term use. In the treatment of chronic conditions, under long term treatment, additional adverse effects may occur.
Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or breathing difficulties may also occur. These are usually transient and reversible on cessation of treatment.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Very rare: haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia and agranulocytosis).

Hypersensitivity reactions.

Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions with urticaria and pruritus.
Very rare: severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could be facial, tongue and larynx, swelling, dyspnoea, apnoea, tachycardia, hypotension, (anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe shock - syndrome may be characterised by abdominal pain, fever, shivering, nausea and vomiting. Exacerbation of asthma and bronchospasm.
Hepatotoxicity and aseptic meningitis which occur less frequently may also be hypersensitivity reactions.
Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or breathing difficulties are usually transient and reversible on cessation of treatment.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

The most commonly observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature.
Uncommon: abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia.
Rare: diarrhoea, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation and vomiting.
Very rare: peptic ulcer, perforation or gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, haematemesis, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly. Ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis.
Exacerbation of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's, disease, gastric pyrosis.

Nervous system.

Uncommon: headache.
Very rare: aseptic meningitis - single cases have been reported, dizziness, nervousness, tinnitus, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, emotional instability, convulsions, auditory and visual problems.
Rare: fatigue.

Renal.

Very rare: acute renal failure, papillary necrosis, especially in long-term use, associated with increased serum urea and oedema.
Ibuprofen may cause cystitis and haematuria, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, oliguria, tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, alteration in the renal function test, polyuria.

Liver.

Very rare: liver disorders, especially in long term treatment, including hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, jaundice, alterations of hepatic function tests, pancreatitis, duodenitis, oesophagitis, hepato-renal syndrome, hepatic necrosis, hepatic insufficiency.

Haematological.

Very rare: haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, neutropenia, aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, eosinophilia, reduction of haemoglobin and haematocrit leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis). Reversible platelet aggregation, alveolitis, pulmonary eosinophilia, pancreatitis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: various skin rashes.
Very rare: severe forms of skin reactions such as bullous reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiform and toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur.
Rarely skin peeling, alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitive dermatitis, maculopapular, rash.
Unknown: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia with Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), photosensitivity reactions.

Immune system.

In patients with existing auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease) during treatment with ibuprofen, single cases of symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation have been observed.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular.

Oedema, hypertension, and cardiac failure, have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen (particularly at high doses 2400 mg daily) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke).
Rarely: cerebrovascular accidents, hypotension, congestive cardiac insufficiency in patients with compromised cardiac function, palpitations.

Ocular.

Very rare: blurred vision, changes in visual colour perception, toxic amblyopia, episodes of ocular alteration with consequent visual disorders.

Other.

Effect on the endocrine system and on the metabolism, reduction in appetite.
Rarely: dryness of the eyes and mouth, gingival ulcers, rhinitis, hearing disturbances.

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions.

Unknown: oligohydramnios, neonatal renal impairment.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, dizziness, convulsion and rarely, loss of consciousness. Clinical features of overdose with ibuprofen which may result are depression of the central nervous system and the respiratory system.
There is no specific antidote to ibuprofen.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Ibuprofen possesses analgesic, antipyretic anti-inflammatory properties, similar to other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its mechanism of action is unknown, but is thought to be through peripheral inhibition of cyclooxygenases and subsequent prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.
Ibuprofen has shown anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity in both animal and human studies. These properties provide symptomatic relief of inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and allied conditions.

Clinical trials.

This information is not available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Ibuprofen is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism.

It is highly bound (90-99%) to plasma proteins and is extensively metabolized to inactive compounds in the liver, mainly by glucuronidation.

Excretion.

Both inactive metabolites and a small amount of unchanged ibuprofen are excreted rapidly and completely by the kidney, with 95% of the administered dose eliminated in the urine within four hours of ingestion. The elimination half-life of ibuprofen is in the range of 1.9 to 2.2 hours.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Excipients: lactose monohydrate, cellulose microcrystalline, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silica anhydrous, stearic acid, macrogol 6000, hypromellose, titanium dioxide and talc purified.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Available in cartons with PVC/Aluminium blister packs containing 10, 28, 50* tablets.
* Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Australian register of therapeutic goods (ARTG).

AUST R 401754.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Ibuprofen is a (±)-2-(p-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid. Ibuprofen is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 74 - 77°C and is practically insoluble in water (< 0.1 mg/mL) and readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

Chemical structure.


Chemical formula: C13H18O2.
Molecular weight: 206.3.

CAS number.

15687-27-1.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S2 - Pharmacy Medicine (10 tablet pack sizes).
S3 - Pharmacist Only Medicine (28 and 50 tablet pack sizes).

Summary Table of Changes