Introduction
Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. While ibuprofen is generally safe and effective when taken as directed, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with its use. In this article, we will discuss what you should know before taking ibuprofen, including potential side effects, drug interactions, and foods to avoid. We will also provide some tips on how to safely take ibuprofen and what to do if you experience any adverse reactions.
Doctors Warn You to Know This Before Taking Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. While it is generally safe to take ibuprofen, there are some important things to consider before taking it.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering taking ibuprofen, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if ibuprofen is the right medication for your condition and can also provide advice on how to take it safely. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments or medications that may be more appropriate for your condition.
Know the Side Effects
Ibuprofen can cause side effects, including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also increase your risk of bleeding and can cause kidney and liver damage if taken in large doses or for long periods of time. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking ibuprofen and contact your doctor.
Be Aware of Drug Interactions
Ibuprofen can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and certain antibiotics. It can also interact with certain supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin E. Before taking ibuprofen, make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Eat This, Not That
When taking ibuprofen, it is important to eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, as these can increase your risk of side effects. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Ibuprofen can be a helpful medication for treating pain, inflammation, and fever. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it and to be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can also help reduce your risk of side effects.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to treat fever and pain, with no doctor’s prescription needed. “People don’t think of over-the-counter medicine as being medicine at all,” says internist Janet Morgan, MD, “but it absolutely is medicine, and like anything else, it’s potentially very dangerous.” Here are five things doctors want you to know before taking Ibuprofen. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
People taking blood thinners to prevent blood clots should avoid NSAIDS, doctors say. “These drugs, which are available over the counter and are used commonly to relieve the aches and pains that all of us have, are also blood thinners,” says cardiologist Stephen G. Ellis, MD. “If you combine them with prescription blood thinners, you could have serious bleeding.”
Athletes who regularly take NSAIDs are at an increased risk of serious kidney injuries, studies show. “If you are taking an NSAID regularly, you should be having regular blood monitoring, including measures of kidney function,” says Robert H. Shmerling, MD. “And if you have significant kidney disease, you should probably avoid non-aspirin NSAIDs altogether. Ask your doctor whether you are a good candidate for NSAID use. They can be quite helpful, and many of their side effects can be avoided with proper precautions.”
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Chronic NSAID use can lead to heart attack and stroke, doctors warn. “Back in 2005, the FDA warned that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen increased the risk of having a heart attack or stroke,” says Gregory Curfman, MD. “In July 2015 the FDA took the unusual step of further strengthening this warning. This was done on the advice of an expert panel that reviewed additional information about NSAIDs and their risks. Because ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are available over-the-counter and so widely used, it’s important to be aware of the ibuprofen warnings and naproxen warnings and to take steps to limit the risk.”
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NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. “Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of NSAIDs,” says Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP. “They are most likely to be stomach irritation and the sensations known as “heartburn” (which has nothing to do with your heart). In severe cases, NSAIDs can irritate the lining of your stomach so that an ulcer (a small erosion) forms. In the worst cases, such an erosion can lead to internal bleeding, which may be life-threatening. Perforation, meaning a ‘hole’ in the stomach, can also occur in rare cases. This is an urgent problem requiring prompt medical attention.”
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Always talk to your doctor before deciding what the safe amount of ibuprofen is, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or GI issues. “There’s not really a one-size-fits-all answer,” says Dr. Morgan. “It depends on your general state of health. It’s not without risk, but you can feel pretty safe taking it for about three days. Take no more than 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day, with food. Otherwise, it can ruin your stomach… It should never get to the point of everyday ibuprofen use. Issues like ongoing abdominal pain, chronic headaches and really serious aching of your muscles don’t just go away on their own.”