Over-the-counter painkillers can be a godsend for many Brits suffering from everyday aches and illnesses. Health issues such as headaches, back pain and colds can often be eased by taking some form of common pain relief.
Among the painkillers typically used in the UK is ibuprofen, one of the most popular drugs you can buy without needing a prescription. Also sold under brand names Nurofen, Calprofen and Ibuleve, it is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – also known as an NSAID.
It works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body and is used for a range of aches and pains, including back pain, period pain, toothache and treating symptoms of colds, flu or even COVID-19.
But as is the case with any medication, you have to ensure you are aware of how to properly take ibuprofen to avoid any potential harmful side effects. As part of this you should be wary about taking ibuprofen alongside any other medications in case they react badly together.
The NHS warned: “Ibuprofen does not mix well with some medicines.”
For this reason the health body urged people to avoid taking ibuprofen at the same time as other NSAIDs. These include aspirin, diclofenac, celecoxib and naproxen, and taken together could increase the risk of side effects such as bleeding in your stomach or kidney problems.
“NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies,” the NHS advised. “Before taking any other medicines, check the label to see if they contain aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.”
For your safety, you should also tell your doctor if you’re taking any of the following medicines before you start taking any type of ibuprofen:
- Medicines that help to prevent blood clots such as warfarin
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Steroid medicines such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin or ofloxacin
- Antidepressants such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine or sertraline
- Diabetes medicines such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide or tolbutamide.
You should also avoid taking ibuprofen with gingko biloba supplements as it can “increase the chance of bleeding”.
The NHS added that you should see a doctor as soon as possible or call 111 if you have been taking ibuprofen and you experience:
- Black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomach
- Swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problem.