Flurbiprofen (Ansaid) cross-sensitivity in an aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patient.

Flurbiprofen (Ansaid) is a newly released nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. We report the first case (to our knowledge) of a flurbiprofen-induced asthmatic reaction confirmed by single-blind oral challenges. Cross-sensitivity and cross-desensitization between aspirin (ASA) and flurbiprofen were also demonstrated in this patient with rhinosinusitis and asthma, thus reinforcing the observation that NSAIDs capable of cyclooxygenase inhibition crossreact with ASA in producing characteristic respiratory reactions.