Many of us rely on over-the-counter medicines to help relieve pain and other ailments. Headaches, backache, flu symptoms and other issues can all be treated with certain common medicines.
However, as is the case with any medication, these do come with some potential side effects.
For this reason, the NHS has issued a warning over taking certain drugs together.
More specifically, the health body explained that it may not be safe to take ibuprofen with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
This can increase the likelihood of dangerous side effects, such as internal bleeding and even heart attacks.
“It’s safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine,” the NHS says. “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 stomach ache.”
It lists the potential side effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs as:
- Indigestion – including stomach aches, feeling sick and diarrhoea
- Stomach ulcers – these can cause internal bleeding and anaemia; extra medicine to protect your stomach may be prescribed to help reduce this risk
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- In rare cases, problems with your liver, kidneys or heart and circulation, such as heart failure, heart attacks and strokes.
“If you’re bothered by side effects, stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor,” the NHS adds.
A report published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine explained that NSAIDs are responsible for a high number of hospital patients admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding.
It said: “Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) accounts for a considerable number of patients admitted to the hospital for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
“Although the risk of GI bleeding is low for any individual patient taking an NSAID, so many people take these drugs that NSAID-induced GI toxicity is the 15th most common cause of death in the United States.”
It added: “Even if we count only patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, the number of deaths each year due to NSAID-induced bleeding rivals that from AIDS – 16,500 per year. And our own research indicates that NSAID use and abuse is often underreported in patients treated for GI bleeding.”
Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding can include:
- Vomiting blood, which might be red or might be dark brown and look like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stool
- Rectal bleeding, usually in or with stool
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain.
The NHS says you should stop taking ibuprofen and call 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if you have:
- 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.
