Flexin Tablet 500mg

About Flexin Tablet 500mg

Flexin Tablet Uses

• Rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Osteoarthritis, including pain and reduced mobility in weight-bearing joints
• Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints
• Juvenile arthritis in children above 2 years
• Acute gout attacks
• Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints)
• Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons)
• Menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea)
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headaches and migraine
• Toothache and dental pain
• Post-operative pain and fever

Flexin Tablet Benefits

• Reduces joint inflammation and swelling, improving mobility in arthritis patients
• Relieves menstrual pain, allowing patients to manage daily activities without interruption
• Provides longer-lasting pain relief compared to ibuprofen, with effects lasting 8 to 12 hours
• Lowers fever effectively by reducing prostaglandin activity in the hypothalamus
• Controls acute gout attacks by reducing uric acid-driven inflammation in affected joints
• Helps manage post-operative pain without the need for opioid analgesics in mild to moderate cases

Drug Class

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
• Propionic Acid Derivative

How Does Flexin Work?

Flexin contains Naproxen, which works by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins — chemicals in the body that trigger pain, swelling, and fever at sites of injury or inflammation.

By inhibiting both COX enzymes, Naproxen reduces prostaglandin production throughout the body. This results in pain relief at the site of inflammation, reduced swelling in joints and soft tissues, and a lowering of elevated body temperature when fever is present. Naproxen has a longer half-life than ibuprofen, which means a single dose provides 8 to 12 hours of relief, allowing twice-daily dosing for most conditions.

When Not to Use Flexin

Flexin should not be taken if any of the following apply:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Naproxen, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• History of heart attack or stroke
• Third trimester of pregnancy
• Active stomach or duodenal ulcers
• Severe kidney or liver disease
• Uncontrolled heart failure
• Recent or upcoming heart bypass (CABG) surgery
• Known bleeding disorder or concurrent anticoagulant therapy without medical supervision
• Inflammatory bowel disease, as NSAIDs can worsen symptoms

Packaging and Quantity

• 1 pack contains 2 strips
• 1 strip contains 10 tablets
• 20 tablets per pack

Flexin Tablet 500mg formula

• Naproxen

Available forms

• Tablets

How to use Flexin Tablet 500mg?

• This tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
• Flexin should always be taken with food or milk to protect the stomach lining.
• The tablet should not be crushed or chewed.
• The lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration should always be used.
• The dosage or frequency should not be changed without consulting a doctor.
• A doctor should be informed immediately if stomach pain, black stools, or nausea occurs.
• Flexin should not be taken for more than 5 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor.
• If the condition does not improve within 7 days, a doctor should be consulted rather than increasing the dose.

Contraindications

The use of Flexin tablet is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Asthma
• Fluid retention
• GI toxicity
• Rash
• Renal toxicities
• Thrombosis
• Hepatotoxicity
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypertension
• Platelet aggregation inhibition

Drug Interactions

All current medicines, supplements, and herbal products should be disclosed to the prescribing doctor before starting Flexin. Key interactions include:

• ACE inhibitors such as captopril and enalapril: Naproxen may reduce their blood pressure-lowering effect and increase kidney damage risk
• Angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan and valsartan: combining with Naproxen raises the risk of kidney impairment
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin: this combination significantly raises the risk of serious bleeding
• Aspirin: combining with Naproxen increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk without providing additional anti-inflammatory benefit
• Corticosteroids such as prednisolone: concurrent use substantially raises the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding
• Lithium: Naproxen can raise lithium blood levels, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity
• Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide: Naproxen may reduce their effectiveness
• Methotrexate: Naproxen can increase methotrexate blood levels, raising the risk of methotrexate toxicity
• SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline: combining with Naproxen increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac: two NSAIDs should never be taken at the same time
• Cholestyramine: may reduce the absorption of Naproxen when taken together; a time gap of several hours is recommended

Food Interactions

• Alcohol: concurrent use raises the risk of stomach bleeding and should be avoided during treatment
• Caffeine and spicy food: can worsen stomach irritation when taken alongside Naproxen

Risks and warnings

1. Cardiovascular Risk (Black Box Warning)

• NSAIDs including Naproxen carry a black box warning from the FDA for increased risk of serious cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke.
• This risk is higher with long-term use and in patients with existing heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Flexin should not be used for pain relief before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• Women with cardiovascular risk factors should use Flexin only under strict medical supervision.

2. Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers (Black Box Warning)

• NSAIDs including Naproxen carry a black box warning for the risk of serious and potentially fatal gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.
• This risk is higher in patients above 65 years of age, those with a history of ulcers, and those taking anticoagulants or corticosteroids concurrently.
• Warning signs include black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain. Emergency care should be sought immediately.
• Flexin should always be taken with food. A doctor may prescribe a gastroprotective medicine such as omeprazole alongside Flexin.

3. Kidney Disease

• Long-term use of Naproxen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause progressive kidney impairment.
• Patients with existing kidney disease should use the lowest effective dose and have kidney function monitored regularly.
• Adequate fluid intake should be maintained throughout treatment.

4. Liver Disease

• Naproxen is metabolized in the liver. Patients with liver disease should use Flexin with caution and have liver function monitored regularly.
• Flexin should be stopped immediately if signs of liver damage appear, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.

5. High Blood Pressure and Fluid Retention

• Naproxen causes the body to retain sodium and water, which can raise blood pressure.
• Blood pressure should be monitored regularly in patients taking antihypertensive medication alongside Flexin.
• Flexin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medicines.

6. Asthma

• Flexin can trigger or worsen asthma attacks, particularly in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma.
• If wheezing or breathlessness occurs after taking Flexin, the medicine should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted.

7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Flexin should not be taken in the third trimester of pregnancy as it can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
• Use in the first and second trimesters should only occur under direct doctor supervision.
• Naproxen passes into breast milk. A doctor should be consulted before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.

8. Bleeding Disorders

• Naproxen inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time. It should be avoided in patients with clotting disorders unless a doctor has specifically advised its use.
• Patients scheduled for surgery should inform their surgeon about Naproxen use, as temporary discontinuation may be required.

Precautions

• The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration should always be used.
• Two NSAIDs should never be taken at the same time.
• Alcohol should be avoided during treatment as it significantly raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
• All current medicines including herbal supplements should be disclosed to the prescribing doctor.
• Patients above 65 should use Flexin with extra caution, as the risk of serious side effects is higher in older adults.
• Driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided if Flexin causes dizziness or drowsiness.

Flexin Tablet Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Flexin well at recommended doses. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild and improve after the first few days of treatment.

Common Side Effects

• Abdominal pain or stomach discomfort
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Mild swelling in the ankles or feet due to fluid retention
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Skin rash or itching

Serious Side Effects

Medical attention should be sought immediately if any of the following occur:

• Black or tarry stools or vomiting blood, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body, which may indicate a heart attack or stroke
• Significant reduction in urination or unusual swelling, which may indicate kidney damage
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may indicate liver damage
• Severe skin reactions including blistering, peeling, or widespread rash
• Facial swelling or difficulty breathing, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction
• Worsening of asthma symptoms after taking Flexin
• Sudden or severe headache or visual disturbance

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, below 25°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from humidity.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink.