New ibuprofen warning for people in five groups this week - full list

New ibuprofen warning for people in five groups this week - full list A pharmacist has explained what you should do instead As the ongoing heat pushes more Brits to reach for ibuprofen to soothe heat-induced aching joints, pharmacists are warning that for some people, it could do more harm than good. The MHRA reported that common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can increase the risk of sun sensitivity, but pharmacists say that’s not the only risk to watch out for. “Some people notice their joints feel more swollen, stiff or uncomfortable during hot weather. Higher temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate and may contribute to fluid retention in some individuals, potentially making existing joint symptoms feel worse,” said Hanna Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U. Hanna warns ibuprofen should be avoided by certain at-risk groups during prolonged spells of hot weather: - Pregnant, especially after 20 weeks: ibuprofen can affect the baby's development, including the heart and the amount of fluid around the baby, so it should only be taken if a doctor says it's okay. - Living with heart failure or liver disease: ibuprofen can make these conditions worse by causing the body to hold onto extra fluid and salt, adding strain to an already weakened heart or liver. - Living with kidney disease: ibuprofen adds extra pressure to kidneys that are already struggling, which can push them closer to failing to do their job properly. - Taking blood-pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs or diuretics): mixing these with ibuprofen is known as the "triple whammy" because together they can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause sudden kidney damage. - Reacted badly to ibuprofen/similar painkillers before: if you've ever had a reaction, your body has already shown it doesn't tolerate this type of medicine well. Hanna said: “Ibuprofen is one of the most reached-for painkillers in the country, and for most people, taking it occasionally isn’t something to worry about. The problem is that hot weather can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated, and dehydration is one of the factors that can make ibuprofen harder on your kidneys. That’s particularly important for people who already have kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, or take certain blood pressure medication. “We’re not saying that people should stop taking prescribed medication or throw away their ibuprofen. The key thing is that if you’re one of these higher-risk groups, it’s worth speaking to a pharmacist about the safest option for you during a heatwave. In many cases, paracetamol may be a more suitable choice.” Hanna’s tips for managing pain and inflammation safely in hot weather - Reach for paracetamol first if you’re in a higher-risk group; paracetamol doesn’t carry the same kidney-related risks as ibuprofen, and works well for most headaches, general aches and mild fevers. - Try and drink before you’re thirsty; thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Sipping water regularly throughout the day helps your kidneys keep working properly, especially if you do take ibuprofen occasionally. - Try a topical option for localised pain such as a sprained ankle or sore joint; an ibuprofen gel applied to the skin treats the area directly, with much less of the drug reaching your bloodstream and your kidneys than a tablet. - Never stop a prescribed blood-pressure medicine without advice; If you’re on an ACE inhibitor, ARB or diuretic and want to take ibuprofen, speak to your pharmacist first rather than stopping your regular medicine. - Know the signs if your body isn’t reacting well to painkiller use, including reduced or dark urine, swelling in your ankles, or unusual tiredness. These are worth flagging to a pharmacist or GP, particularly during a heatwave. - Check before combining with other medicines; Ibuprofen can interact with some common medicines, so if you take anything else regularly, ask your pharmacist before adding it in.