The NHS have listed eight groups of people who should not take the medication
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
13:27, 31 Oct 2025Updated 13:34, 31 Oct 2025
The NHS issued a warning on their website(Image: Getty)
The NHS has warned people who take the common medication, ibuprofen, that they should ‘check the packet’ first. The health service has listed eight groups of people who should avoid taking it, as it could cause a number of issues.
Ibuprofen is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (swelling). Whilst it can be purchased over the counter from shops and pharmacies, some stronger types are available with a prescription. The NHS noted that the medication also has other brand names, including Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel and Ibuleve.
In addition to listing who can and cannot take it, it also warned that there are side effects that could exacerbate the symptoms you’re trying to alleviate. For example, one side effect is stomach aches, yet you could be taking it to help ease that pain.
What can ibuprofen help with?
Ibuprofen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often called an NSAID that can help with several issues. This includes:
headaches and migrainesjoint and muscle painpain after an injurytoothacheperiod painreduce a high temperature (fever)Who can and can’t have ibuprofen?
The NHS has warned all 8 groups to be cautious(Image: Carl Court/Getty Images)
But ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. The NHS cautioned that it may not be suitable if:
you’ve had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)you have a stomach ulcer or you’ve had them beforeyou have asthma or allergies (such as hay fever)you have chickenpoxyou have a heart, liver or kidney conditionyou have problems with blood clottingyou’ve had a strokeyou’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant
The NHS warned: “Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure if you can use it.”
It added: “Ibuprofen can cause more side effects than paracetamol. If you can take paracetamol, it’s a good idea to try it before taking ibuprofen.”
What are the side effects of ibuprofen?
There are several different types of ibuprofen, including:
tablets and capsulesgels and spraysliquidgranules you mix with water
Common side effects of ibuprofen tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include:
indigestion and stomach achesfeeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)headachesa rashdizzinessdiarrhoea or constipation
Possible serious side effects of Ibuprofen include:
stomach ulcers or bleeding inside your stomach – causing symptoms such as tummy pain, shortness of breath, pale skin, vomiting blood or poo that’s black, sticky and tar-likean allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathinga problem with your kidneys – causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, blood in your pee or swelling in your ankles, feet or hands
The health service said: “You’re less likely to get side effects from ibuprofen gel or spray. Ibuprofen will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until the dizziness stops.”
How long can I take ibuprofen for?
You should never take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor, the NHS has warned. It asked people: “See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away.”
For more information on the medication and all of its side effects, including how much to take and how to take it, you can view the NHS website here.