Ibuprofen side effects: Signs of a hole in your stomach or gut – ‘go to A&E now’
IBUPROFEN is a common painkiller available both in pharmacies and supermarkets. As a drug it is versatile and like other drugs it can have side effects, some serious, others uncomfortable.
Dr Hilary discusses ibuprofen as possible COVID-19 treatment
Furthermore, if an individual has difficulty breathing, a severe headache, high temperature, a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights or blurred vision and hallucinations after taking ibuprofen they should immediately call 999.
Additional guidance states that medical attention should be sought if a red skin rash, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat occurs.
These are symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.
Side effects of ibuprofen are not just limited to the short term, consistent use of the painkiller of an extended period can result in long term damage.
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Over time ibuprofen can cause ulcers to develop in the stomach or gut and it should only be taken over a long period if recommended by your GP.
All side effects of Ibuprofen should be listed on the leaflet supplied with every single ibuprofen pack.
However, if a person does start to experience symptoms that aren’t listed, there is an online tool that can be used to report these side effects.
Founded in 1964, the Yellow Card scheme was developed by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) for the public to report problems with pharmaceutical products.
Today it is used to report “side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, medical device incidents, defects or falsified (fake products)”.
The purpose of the scheme is to monitor medicinal products and allow the MHRA to act, such as working with the manufacturer of the product to make changes.
In recent years the scheme has expanded to include an app alongside a specialist reporting page for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and testing kits.
Through this system an individual could report an unexpected or potentially dangerous side effect of ibuprofen.
How much ibuprofen a person needs to take will depend on a range of factors including their size, the intensity of the pain and whether they are at greater risk of experiencing an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy is an example of this discretion; the NHS says the drug “is not usually recommended in pregnancy, unless it’s prescribed by a doctor.”
This is due to how ibuprofen has been found to affect a baby’s circulation and kidneys as well as the danger of a link between miscarriage and consuming the painkiller early on in the pregnancy.
If uncertain about taking ibuprofen during pregnancy it is advised that the pregnant woman in question should consult with a GP beforehand.
Although there are concerns over the use of ibuprofen during pregnancy, it is recommended to rub on the skin when breastfeeding.
Overall ibuprofen is a safe drug, but not one without its dangers and side effects.
Every year more data is gathered on how it affects the body in different ways; in time guidance may change.
For more information on side effects see the back of the medicine’s leaflet or use the Yellow Card system if an unexpected side effect is felt.