Ibuprofen alert as Dr Amir Khan says people take it at 'wrong time'

Ibuprofen alert as Dr Amir Khan says people take it at 'wrong time' Dr Amir Khan has warned that getting this wrong could slow your recovery down Taking ibuprofen medication at the so-called 'wrong time' after an injury could make things worse, a doctor claims. People could face longer recovery times from injuries and everyday aches and pains by ignoring this painkiller advice. NHS GP Dr Amir Khan has said that people across the UK should hold off much longer before turning to ibuprofen. This widely used medicine, sold in small packs at supermarkets and pharmacies for often less than £1, can also be prescribed when higher-than-standard doses are required. It is commonly used to ease mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower high temperatures (fevers). It works by blocking the body's production of prostaglandins — the chemicals responsible for pain, swelling, and fever. However, by reaching for the painkiller too quickly following an injury or ache, people could actually be hampering their own recovery, reports the Express. Dr Amir Khan, a familiar face to daytime television viewers on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, said that taking anti-inflammatories too early after a sprain, break, or injury could interfere with your body’s natural healing process. He addressed the issue on his No Appointment Necessary podcast. He said that introducing ibuprofen 'too early' could actually make the body work harder to heal itself. Instead, people should wait before using this common drug or consider an alternative. How soon should I wait? Dr Khan said: "Now, the newer bit [of research] about ibuprofen is when you should take it. When you've sprained your ankle or broken a bone or something like that, remember I said that some inflammation is good. "Your immune system responds, comes to the scene, and starts sorting things out and healing. If you take ibuprofen too soon in that process, that can hinder your healing time." Dr Khan explained that his standard advice to patients with such injuries is "not to take [ibuprofen] within the first two or three days". Paracetamol is typically safer to use straight after an injury, as the NHS states it helps block pain signals without disrupting the body's natural healing process. It is recommended that using this as a primary pain relief method can help prevent discomfort from worsening and maintain mobility. For more information about how paracetamol can help, click here. Can ibuprofen cause side effects? As with all medications, ibuprofen can produce side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common issues from taking tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include: - indigestion and stomach aches - feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) - headaches - a rash - dizziness - diarrhoea or constipation The NHS claims that people are less likely to experience side effects from ibuprofen gel or spray, compared to tablets and capsules. The health service said: "To reduce the risk of side effects, take the smallest dose you need for the shortest time you need it. "Do not take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor. For other types of ibuprofen, check the packet or leaflet to see how long you can use it for. See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away." For more information, click here.