NHS ibuprofen warning issued and who should avoid taking painkiller

The warning is aimed at particular groups who are at a higher risk

Whenever you’re feeling under the weather, you may have reached for painkillers such as ibuprofen at some point. While most adults and young people aged 17 and over can use this medication safely, a warning reminds the public that certain groups should avoid it.

Ibuprofen is available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and granules. The NHS warns that some individuals should not take ibuprofen and highlights potential side effects that may not be widely known. Here are all the things you need to know.

It goes without saying you should avoid taking ibuprofen by mouth or applying it to your skin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you experienced symptoms like wheezing, a runny nose, or a skin reaction after taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen. It is also advised that pregnant individuals avoid ibuprofen.

To ensure ibuprofen is safe for you, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• Have ever experienced bleeding or a perforation in your stomach caused by an NSAID.
• Have had a perforation in your stomach, bleeding, or a stomach ulcer more than once.
• Have a health condition that increases your risk of bleeding.
• Suffer from severe heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure.
• Are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Have heart disease, mild to moderate heart failure, or have previously had a stroke.
• Have kidney or liver issues.
• Suffer from asthma, hay fever, or allergies.
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Have chickenpox, as ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions.

If you are over 65, taking ibuprofen may increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers. For long-term use, your doctor may prescribe additional medication to help protect your stomach.

The following common side effects of oral ibuprofen occur in more than 1 in 100 people:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Gas (wind)
• Indigestion

You should call a doctor or contact 111 immediately and stop taking ibuprofen if you experience black stools or blood in your vomit, which may indicate bleeding in your stomach. This is in addition to swollen ankles, blood in your urine, or no urine output, which could signal a kidney problem.

Call 999 or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) if you experience:

• Severe chest or abdominal pain, which may indicate a perforation in your stomach or gut.
• Breathing difficulties or worsening asthma symptoms.
• A severe headache, high temperature, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light—these may signal inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
• Blurred vision or hallucinations.

In rare instances, ibuprofen can trigger a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Seek emergency help immediately if you experience:

• Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue.
• Rapid breathing or struggling to breathe, accompanied by wheezing or a choking sensation.
• A tight throat or difficulty swallowing.
• Blue, grey, or pale skin (if you have darker skin, this may be more visible on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet).
• Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness.
• Someone fainting and being unresponsive.
• A child appearing limp, floppy, or unresponsive, with difficulties lifting their head or focusing on your face.

The NHS advises that if you or someone you know develops a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling, it could indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate hospital treatment. Additionally, ibuprofen can cause ulcers in the stomach or gut, especially when taken in high doses or for an extended period. If long-term use is necessary, your doctor may prescribe medication to help protect your stomach.