Taking ibuprofen constantly or in high doses raises the risk of serious side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Always use the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time. Do not take ibuprofen right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking ibuprofen during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Most of ibuprofen’s worst side effects are a result of using the drug too much.
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet.
- Do not give nonprescription ibuprofen to a child who has a sore throat that is severe or does not go away, or that comes along with fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
- Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects.
- Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins.
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If prostaglandins are blocked for too long, the stomach acid will wear away the stomach lining and create sores (ulcers). Peptic ulcers occur in less than one percent of people taking ibuprofen, but people who have this problem are most likely taking too much ibuprofen. People should consult the instructions on the packaging or check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before giving ibuprofen or other medication to children.
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The incidence has not been determined, but those most at risk include people with existing kidney disease, older patients, and anyone taking other drugs that can poison the kidneys. The best advice is to talk to a primary healthcare provider who can give medical advice about whether NSAIDs like ibuprofen are safe to take. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can worsen high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure already have a higher risk of a problem related to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) blood clots such as a heart attack or stroke.
- Some drugs contain both ibuprofen and opioids, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.
- This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with ibuprofen.
- The most frequently reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal (GI) in nature and included nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea.
- This helps prevent swelling, but prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining from the burning acid splashing around inside.
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may have with ibuprofen. For these uses, taking ibuprofen or aspirin is usually a matter of personal choice. But in some cases, your doctor may prefer one drug over the other.
- That does not mean that it’s safe to take 3,200 mg of store-bought ibuprofen in a day!
- Taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, increases your risk of serious gastrointestinal problems.
- In addition, ibuprofen can be used to treat fever, menstrual cramps, and other conditions as determined by your doctor .
Ibuprofen can interact with medications
Ibuprofen comes alone and in combination with other medications. If your doctor has prescribed a medication that contains ibuprofen, you should be careful not to take any nonprescription medications that also contain ibuprofen. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will can you get addicted to ibuprofen monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably order certain tests to check your body’s response to ibuprofen. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling so that your doctor can prescribe the right amount of medication to treat your condition with the lowest risk of serious side effects.
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To learn more, see the “What should be considered before taking ibuprofen? Ibuprofen can cause severe skin reactions called exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop ibuprofen and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
- Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.
- Acetaminophen is the preferred pain relief medication and fever reducer for pregnant women.
- For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor.