Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used pain relievers worldwide. It is effective in reducing pain, inflammation and fever, making it an alternative to headache, muscle pain, arthritis and menstrual cramps. However, despite its benefits, Ibuprofen is not safe for all. NHS has issued a warning about potential side effects and health risks, especially for people with allergies or already present medical conditions. Some people may experience mild to severe reactions after taking ibuprofen, and in some cases, it may lead to serious complications. NHS recommends that anyone who notices abnormal symptoms after using ibuprofen should stop taking immediately and consider alternative pain relief options.

Signs of adverse reaction

NHS advises people to stop using ibuprofen immediately if they develop:

Bread nose – It may look modest, but it may be an initial sign of allergic reaction.

Skin reactions – rashes, redness, or itching may indicate that the body is reacting negatively to the drug.

Wheezing or difficulty in breathing – these symptoms may suggest a serious allergic reaction, especially for people with asthma.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to stop taking ibuprofen and consult a doctor for alternative pain relief options.

Who should avoid ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is not safe for all. NHS has warned that people with some health conditions should be particularly careful or avoid it completely.

Stomach issues – People with a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other digestive problems should avoid ibuprofen as it can disturb the stomach lining.

Heart and kidney condition – people with severe heart failure, liver disease, or kidney problems are at high risk of complications.

High blood pressure – If blood pressure is not well controlled, ibuprofen can cause fluid retention and can increase stress on the heart.

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis – these conditions may worsen with the use of ibuprofen.

Pregnancy – Pregnant women should take ibuprofen only when determined by a doctor.

Elderly individual-65 people face a high risk of abdominal ulcers by the use of ibuprofen for a long time. If ibuprofen is necessary, the doctor can prescribe additional medication to protect the stomach.

Dangerous drug interaction

Ibuprofen can interact with other drugs, allowing them to be less effective or increase the risk of side effects.

Blood Thinner (eg, warfarin) – This combination can increase the risk of excessive bleeding.

Other NSAIDs (eg, aspirin, neprockson) – taking many NSAIDs can cause side effects.

Some antibiotics, antidepressants and diabetes drugs – they may not work expected or give rise to complications when combined with ibuprofen.

Herbal supplements (eg, ginkgo biloba) – These can further increase the risk of bleeding when taken with ibuprofen.

However, ibuprofen is usually safe to take with paracetamol or codeine.

Use ibuprofen responsibly

The NHS urges people to be vigilant when using ibuprofen and if they have any concern to be cautious to seek medical advice. While it is a common and effective pain reliever, it is necessary to identify potential risks, especially for people with existing health conditions.

If you experience any warning signals, consider switching on alternative pain relief options such as paracetamol, which can be a safe option.

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