Ibuprofen: Do not take ibuprofen if you have these symptoms, NHS warns |
The National Health Service (NHS) has cautioned individuals, who experience a few symptoms to refrain from using ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen, a widely used painkiller, helps reduce inflammation, alleviate aches, and lower fever. However, the NHS has warned that some people may have adverse reactions to the medication. The health agency advised such individuals to seek alternative pain relief options.
The NHS advised that people who develop a runny nose, skin reactions, or wheezing after taking ibuprofen should stop using it immediately and seek alternative options to relieve pain.
This is because, though a runny nose may seem like a mild symptom, it could be an early sign of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen.
The same goes for skin reactions. Anything from rashes, redness, or itching can be an indication of the body’s negative response to the drug. Wheezing or difficulty breathing, on the other hand, could signal a severe allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with asthma.
Anyone who has experienced these three symptoms after taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or naproxen, is advised to stop taking them.
Ibuprofen is a commonly used painkiller for aches and pains, including back pain, period pain, toothache, and symptoms of colds, flu, or coronavirus (COVID-19), according to NHS. It also treats inflammation such as sprains and strains, and pain from arthritis. This medication is available as tablets, capsules, granules, and as a liquid. It also comes as a gel, mousse, and spray that you rub into your skin.
Despite its use ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone.
Who should not take ibuprofen?
- Anyone with an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, runny nose, or skin reactions after taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen
- Pregnant women
NHS also advises you to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the below-mentioned issues so that they can ensure the safety of the medication
- If you have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAID
- If have had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach, or a stomach ulcer more than once
- If have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding
- If have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure, or severe liver failure
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you have high blood pressure that’s not under control
- If you have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure or have ever had a stroke
- If you have kidney or liver problems
- If you have asthma, hay fever or allergies
- If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- If you have chickenpox – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions
People above the age of 65, are more likely to get stomach ulcers with this medication.
