ARFEN ® Ibuprofen

ARFEN ® is a drug based on Ibuprofen Lysine

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ARFEN ® Ibuprofen

ARFEN ® is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal inflammatory states associated with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Intramuscular use is particularly indicated in the symptomatological treatment of acute painful episodes, during inflammatory pathologies.

Mechanism of action ARFEN ® Ibuprofen

ARFEN ® is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on ibuprofen, an active ingredient belonging to the propionic acid family, and the progenitor of phenylproprionates, particularly indicated for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, especially musculoskeletal.

The therapeutic action of this active principle is to be found in the ability to inhibit certain enzymes, known as cyclooxygenases, involved in the genesis of the inflammatory process.

More precisely, the aforementioned enzymes, induced under conditions of stress and trauma, are able to convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, chemical mediators characterized by marked pro-inflammatory activity capable of increasing both vascular permeability and the recruitment of inflammatory cells.

At the same time, this type of inhibition shifts the balance towards the path of lipoxygenase, with the synthesis of lipoxins, molecules capable of extinguishing the inflammatory process, preserving the tissue from lesions induced by proteolytic cells and enzymes.

The anti-inflammatory action of ibuprofen, inevitably accompanies the analgesic and the antipyretic action, thanks to the suppression of the expression of some cytokines with pyrogenic effect.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. NEW IBUPROFENE RELEASE SYSTEMS

J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2010 Oct; 6 (5): 569-76.

Experimental study that tests the efficacy and safety of new methods of topical administration of ibuprofen in experimental models. The need to resort to the use of innovative delivery systems derives from the desire to minimize the side effects associated with therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. IBUPROFENE AND ANTI-PYRETIC ACTIVITY

J Pediatr (Rio J). 2011 Jan-Feb; 87 (1): 36-42. Epub 2011 Jan 11.

Work that demonstrates the important antipyretic effect of ibuprofen, even when given as a single dose. More precisely, the intake of 10 mg / kg of ibuprofen has been shown to be effective in reducing body temperature, in pediatric patients with high fever without any kind of side effect.

3. IBUPROFENE AND KIDNEY DAMAGE IN NEWBORNS

Turk J Pediatr. 2010 May-Jun; 52 (3): 231-8.

Work that shows how the intake of ibuprofen in premature babies, for example necessary for the treatment of the ductus arteriosus, can be associated with the appearance of important side effects, especially related to renal toxicity, in some cases particularly serious.

Method of use and dosage

ARFEN ®

Tablets of 500 mg of ibuprofen lysine;

Powder and solvent for 400 mg ibuprofen lysine solution for injection;

10% Ibuprofen lysine gel.

The different pharmaceutical formulations foreseen for ARFEN ® allow to better adapt the dosage patterns to the therapeutic needs of the patient.

It should be remembered, however, that the use of ARFEN ® by injection should be reserved for the treatment of acute painful episodes.

The subsequent maintenance period could instead be carried out by taking ARFEN ® in tablets or gels, avoiding exceeding the maximum daily dosage of 1200 - 1800 mg.

In order to minimize the occurrence of side effects it is advisable to start the treatment with the minimum dose able to guarantee a remission of the symptoms.

Warnings ARFEN ® Ibuprofen

It is known that ibuprofen can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of gastro-intestinal, renal, hepatic and cardiovascular diseases, therefore requiring continuous medical supervision in high-risk patients.

Periodic monitoring of renal, hepatic and cardiovascular function is therefore recommended in order to minimize the incidence of serious side effects.

Intramuscular administration of ibuprofen may also increase the risk of both dermatological and systemic allergic reactions.

It is useful to remember the need to adjust the dosages of ibuprofen in severely debilitated, elderly patients with liver and kidney diseases.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore also of ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy, given the importance of prostaglandins in supporting cellular differentiation and proliferation processes, necessary for correct embryonic and fetal development.

Abuse of NSAIDs in this period is in fact associated with the appearance of fetal malformations and an increased risk of abortion.

We do not recommend taking ARFEN ® even during the next breastfeeding period, given the ability of ibuprofen to concentrate in breast milk.

Interactions

Different pharmacokinetic studies show a series of pharmacologically relevant interactions between ibuprofen and other active ingredients, capable of altering the pharmacokinetic characteristics and at the same time increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Particular attention must be paid to the simultaneous assumption of:

Ace inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists and antibiotics given the increased risks of toxicity, especially renal;
Oral anticoagulants and inhibitors of serotonin reuptake, given the increased risk of bleeding;
NSAIDs for an increased risk of side effects on the gastric mucosa.

Contraindications ARFEN ® Ibuprofen

Taking ARFEN ® contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, hypersensitive to acetylsalicylic acid and other analgesics, suffering from asthma, nasal polyposis, liver failure, renal to cardiac, intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis or history previous for the same diseases.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The administration of ibuprofen, especially if performed at high doses or for prolonged periods of time, may be associated with the appearance of side effects such as: