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Ubayd Ali

Authored by

Ubayd Ali

Superintendent Pharmacist

Registration Number: 2219322

NHS Pharmacist and founding member of HEBA, with years of experience in healthcare across innovative organisations.
Sufyan Tahir

Reviewed by

Sufyan Tahir

Clinical Governance Lead

Registration Number: 2221275

Review Date 25 March 2026
Next Review 25 March 2028
Published on 25 March 2026
Last Update 25 March 2026

Overview

Feminax Express is an over-the-counter medication that can be used to provide fast and effective relief from period pain and associated symptoms when you need immediate relief. Feminax Express can also be used to provide pain relief for cramps, muscular pain, backache and headache. 

Feminax Express is also suitable for relief of rheumatic pain, nerve pain, migraine, dental pain, fever and symptoms of cold and flu.

How Does Feminax Express Work?

Feminax Express contains ibuprofen lysine. Feminax works by blocking the body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. Ibuprofen lysine contains the 'lysine salt', which helps it to be absorbed quicker in the body, leading to quicker pain relief.

How Do I Use Feminax?

You should read the medication guide or patient information leaflet that comes with the product package before you start using Feminax. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist if you have any questions about the use and safety of the medication.

Take Feminax by mouth as directed by your prescriber, usually 2 or 3 times a day with a full glass of water. Avoid lying down within ten minutes after taking this medication. Take Feminax with food, milk, or an antacid in order to avoid having an upset stomach.

To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take Feminax at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take Feminax more than directed by your prescriber. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, take this medication continuously as directed by your doctor. For arthritis, the full benefit of this drug may show after about two weeks of continuous use.

If you are taking Feminax as needed, you should remember that pain medication like Feminax works best when used as the first signs of pain occur. The medication may not work well if you wait until the pain has worsened.

Inform your doctor if your condition will not improve or if it will get worse.

Side Effects

Feminax Express Side Effects

 

Medicines and their possible side effects affect individual users differently. Not everyone who uses Feminax will experience the possible side effects.

Your doctor prescribed this medication because he deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Feminax may raise your blood pressure level. Check your blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if the results are high.

Inform your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including bleeding or easy bruising, difficult or painful swallowing, mental or mood changes, hearing changes, signs of kidney problems, vision changes, unexplained stiff neck, symptoms of heart failure.

Feminax may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get medical help immediately if you have any symptoms of liver damage, such as dark urine, loss of appetite, persistent vomiting or nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, and yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Serious allergic reactions to Feminax are rare. However, you should seek immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

If you notice any other side effects which you believe are associated with your use of Feminax, tell your doctor immediately.

Before you start taking Feminax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or to aspirin and other NSAID, or if you have other allergies. Feminax may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before taking Feminax, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have asthma, blood disorders, clotting problems, nasal polyps, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, and throat/stomach/intestinal problems.

The use of NSAID can sometimes lead to kidney problems. These problems are likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have kidney or heart failure, are an older adult, if you take certain medications.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and inform your doctor immediately if you have a change in the amount of your urine.

Feminax may make you drowsy or dizzy. Alcohol use can make you dizzier or drowsier. Do not drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or perform any task that requires alertness until you can do so safely.

Feminax may cause stomach bleeding. It may increase with daily use of tobacco and alcohol. Limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking while you are taking Feminax.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you go outdoors.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Feminax.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before you take Feminax. Feminax should be taken only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Feminax should be avoided during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm it may cause to the unborn baby.

Feminax passes into the breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking Feminax.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all the medications you are taking before you start using Feminax. Similarly, do not start or stop the use of a medication or change the dosage of a medication without telling your doctor.

Feminax can affect the results of some laboratory tests, causing possible test results. Inform your healthcare professionals and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Feminax before a lab test is conducted.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is Feminax Express used for?

    Feminax Express is used to relieve period pain and menstrual cramps. It contains ibuprofen lysine, a form of ibuprofen that is absorbed quickly and acts as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. It can also help with associated symptoms like backache, headache and muscle aches.

  • How quickly does Feminax Express work?

    Most people start to feel relief within 20–30 minutes of taking a dose, with effects lasting around 4 hours.

  • How do I take Feminax Express?

    Take 1–2 tablets with water, preferably with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. You can repeat this every 4–6 hours if needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets in any 24-hour period.

  • How long can I use it for?

    Do not take Feminax Express for more than 10 consecutive days unless instructed by a doctor. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.

  • Can I take Feminax Express on an empty stomach?

    It’s best taken with or after food to help reduce the risk of stomach irritation and upset.

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