Ibuprofen warning as you may need to stop taking it

Ibuprofen warning as you may need to stop taking it Ibuprofen is a common painkiller used to treat a range of conditions Many of us have turned to ibuprofen at some stage when feeling poorly or suffering from pain. The medication is typically safe for most adults and teenagers aged 17 and above, although certain groups may find it unsuitable. And beyond a particular period, you must stop using ibuprofen unless authorised by a doctor. According to NHS guidance, you should not take ibuprofen tablets or capsules for more than 10 days "unless advised to by a doctor". Ibuprofen can cause irritation to the stomach lining, decrease blood flow to the kidneys, and elevate blood pressure. As well as this, pain persisting for 10 days may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. NHS advice adds: "To reduce the risk of side effects, take the smallest dose you need for the shortest time you need it." The NHS also recommends against taking ibuprofen orally or applying it to your skin if you've previously experienced an allergic reaction or symptoms such as wheezing, a runny nose or a skin reaction after using aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen. Anyone wishing to check whether ibuprofen is suitable for them should tell their GP if they have ever experienced stomach bleeding or a perforation caused by an NSAID, have had more than one occurrence of a stomach perforation, stomach bleeding or a stomach ulcer, or if they have a health condition that heightens bleeding risk. Anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive, suffering from severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure, has uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or has previously suffered a stroke, or has kidney or liver problems, asthma, hay fever, allergies, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis should consult their GP before taking ibuprofen. It is also advisable to avoid ibuprofen if you have chickenpox, as it may heighten the risk of certain infections and skin reactions. Common side effects of ibuprofen tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, a rash, headaches, diarrhoea, constipation, and dizziness. Those using ibuprofen gel or spray are considerably less likely to experience such side effects.