If you are in one of these groups, you need to be extra careful, warns the NHS
Ibuprofen has a wide range of side effects but they are said to only impact around one in 100 people.(Image: Getty Images)
If you’re not feeling well, you’ve likely reached for ibuprofen at some point. While most adults and young people aged 17 and over can safely use this medication, there are certain groups who may not be able to take it.
There are a few different forms of ibuprofen such as tablets, capsules, liquid and granules. In a warning on its website, the NHS outlines who should avoid ibuprofen and highlights potential side effects, some of which may not be widely known.
So, who can and can’t take ibuprofen, and what side effects should you watch out for? Here’s what the NHS think you need to know.
Do not take ibuprofen if…
Ibuprofen is taken as a painkiller for conditions ranging from joint to period pain(Image: Getty Images)
The NHS warns that you should not take ibuprofen by mouth or apply it to your skin if you have ever had an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, a runny nose or a skin reaction after taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen. It also warns people who are pregnant to avoid this.
To make sure ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAIDhave had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach or a stomach ulcer more than oncehave a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleedinghave severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failureare pregnant or trying to get pregnanthave high blood pressure that’s not under controlhave heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or have ever had a strokehave kidney or liver problemshave asthma, hay fever or allergieshave Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitishave chickenpox – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions
If you’re over 65, taking ibuprofen can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers. If you need to take ibuprofen for a long-term condition, your doctor may also prescribe a medication to help protect your stomach.
To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
kidney problemsasthmahay feverallergiesa stomach ulcerWhat are the common side effects of tablets, capsules, granules and liquid?
Ibuprofen is readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets – but many don’t know the risks(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)
These common side effects of oral ibuprofen occur in more than one in 100 people:
HeadachesFeeling dizzyBeing sickWindIndigestion
Call a doctor or call 111 straight away and stop taking ibuprofen if you have:
black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomachswollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problem
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
you have severe chest or stomach pain – these can be signs of a hole in your stomach or gutyou have difficulty breathing, or asthma symptoms that become worseyou get a severe headache, a high temperature or stiff neck, and a dislike of bright lights – these can be signs or inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges)you have blurred vision or you see or hear things that are not real (hallucinations)
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to ibuprofen. You should call 999 if:
your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollenyou’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallowyour skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzysomeone faints and cannot be woken upa child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
In their conclusion, the NHS advises that if you or the person you know develops a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling, it could indicate a serious allergic reaction. In this case, it will likely require immediate hospital treatment.
Additionally, ibuprofen can cause ulcers in the stomach or gut, especially when taken orally in high doses or over a long period. If ongoing use is needed, your doctor may prescribe medication to help protect your stomach.