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Do not take ibuprofen if you have these symptoms, NHS warns

Do not take ibuprofen if you have these symptoms, NHS warns

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Updated: Mar 6, 2025, 00:04 IST

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The NHS advises individuals to avoid ibuprofen if they experience symptoms such as runny nose, skin reactions, or wheezing, as these may indicate an allergic response. They recommend seeking alternative pain relief, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions or who are pregnant.

Do not take ibuprofen if you have these symptoms, NHS warns

The National Health Service (NHS) has cautioned individuals, who experience a few symptoms to refrain from using ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen, a widely used painkiller, helps reduce inflammation, alleviate aches, and lower fever. However, the NHS has warned that some people may have adverse reactions to the medication. The health agency advised such individuals to seek alternative pain relief options.
The NHS also highlights that allergic reactions to ibuprofen can range from mild symptoms, such as a skin rash or runny nose, to severe issues like difficulty breathing. In case of any unusual symptoms after taking ibuprofen, immediate medical advice is recommended.

(Pic courtesy: iStock)

The NHS advised that people who develop a runny nose, skin reactions, or wheezing after taking ibuprofen should stop using it immediately and seek alternative options to relieve pain.
This is because, although a runny nose may seem like a mild symptom, it could be an early sign of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen.

(Pic courtesy: iStock)

The same goes for skin reactions. Anything from rashes, redness, or itching can be an indication of the body’s negative response to the drug. Wheezing or difficulty breathing, on the other hand, could signal a severe allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with asthma.
Anyone who has experienced these three symptoms after taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or naproxen, is advised to stop taking them. These symptoms could indicate a serious allergic reaction or a condition called NSAID hypersensitivity. Continuing to take these medications despite warning signs could lead to life-threatening complications.

(Pic courtesy: iStock)

Ibuprofen is a commonly used painkiller for aches and pains, including back pain, period pain, toothache, and symptoms of colds, flu, or coronavirus (COVID-19), according to NHS. It also treats inflammation such as sprains and strains, and pain from arthritis. This medication is available as tablets, capsules, granules, and as a liquid. It also comes as a gel, mousse, and spray that you rub into your skin. Ibuprofen starts to work shortly after you take a dose. If the drug works for you, you should have pain relief within 1 to 2 hours after taking your dose.

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Despite its use ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone.
Who should not take ibuprofen?

Anyone with an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, runny nose, or skin reactions after taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen
Pregnant women

also advises you to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the below-mentioned issues so that they can ensure the safety of the medication

If you have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAID
If have had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach, or a stomach ulcer more than once
If have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding
If have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure, or severe liver failure
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
If you have high blood pressure that's not under control
If you have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure or have ever had a stroke
If you have kidney or liver problems
If you have asthma, hay fever or allergies
If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
If you have chickenpox – taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions

People above the age of 65, are more likely to get stomach ulcers with this medication.
The FDA asks to 'not use' ibuprofen:

if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer
right before or after heart surgery

Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain naturally. Willow bark is another herbal remedy known for its aspirin-like effects. Magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids also support pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Some of the side effects of ibuprofen include:

Feeling dizzy
Feeling sick (nausea)
Being sick (vomiting)
Wind
Indigestion
Headaches

NHS also advises to inform your doctor if you are taking below mentioned medications.

medicines that help to prevent blood clots such as warfarin
anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid or naproxen
medicines for high blood pressure
steroid medicines such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone
antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin or ofloxacin
antidepressants such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine or sertraline
diabetes medicines such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide or tolbutamide

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TOI Lifestyle Desk

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