The NHS has claimed the mixture could lead to a bleeding risk
People who take a common painkiller should be aware that there is one thing you should never have alongside it – and it’s not alcohol. This natural supplement opens up a bigger risk of a major problem occurring if paired with ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen can be easily purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies in the UK without too many issues, but some stronger forms will need a doctor’s prescription. It works by reducing hormones that cause aches and pains, relieving people who are struggling with a range of issues, such as back pain, period pain, toothache and symptoms of colds, flu or coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the NHS website.
Typically, people will take between three or four doses per day at most, either as tablets, capsules, or granules to be mixed with water or liquid. The rate at which ibuprofen lasts in your system depends on the milligrams per dose, with packaging always offering clear instructions.
The NHS website states: “Take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid with a meal or snack, or with a drink of milk. It will be less likely to upset your stomach. If you take it just after food, ibuprofen may take longer to start working.”
If you’re taking ibuprofen for a short-lived pain like a toothache or period pain, you may only need to take it for a day or two. You may need to take ibuprofen for longer if you have a long-term health problem.
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It’s safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine – but do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor. Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you take them together, it may increase the chance of you getting side effects like a stomach ache.
The NHS confirmed that people can eat and drink normally while taking any type of ibuprofen, but advises that drinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach. One warning was issued that may be relevant to those taking certain supplements.
The website claims: “It’s best not to take gingko biloba with ibuprofen as it can increase the chance of bleeding. There’s not enough information to say that other herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with ibuprofen. They’re not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.”
Side effects of taking ibuprofen
There are some common side effects that come from taking the pain relief drug, and it is thought that one in 100 people experience some of these. The NHS claims people may notice:
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
- Wind
- Indigestion
There are some more serious, but rare, side effects to taking ibuprofen. If you notice either of these, call a doctor or 111 straight away and stop taking ibuprofen:
- black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomach
- swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problem
- you have severe chest or stomach pain – these can be signs of a hole in your stomach or gut
- you have difficulty breathing, or asthma symptoms that become worse
- you get a severe headache, a high temperature or stiff neck, and a dislike of bright lights – these can be signs or inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges)
- you have blurred vision or you see or hear things that are not real (hallucinations)
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to ibuprofen. You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
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