{"id":541628,"date":"2025-11-01T08:11:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T08:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/541628\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T08:11:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T08:11:13","slug":"nhs-warning-over-ibuprofen-check-the-packet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/541628\/","title":{"rendered":"NHS warning over ibuprofen &#8211; &#8216;check the packet&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The NHS have listed eight groups of people who should not take the medication<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35 __className_dd219c\">Sophie Buchan<\/strong> Money and Lifestyle Writer<\/p>\n<p>13:27, 31 Oct 2025Updated 13:34, 31 Oct 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_GettyImages-1498487015.jpg\" alt=\"taking tablets\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>The NHS issued a warning on their website(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">The NHS has warned people who take the common medication, ibuprofen, that they should &#8216;check the packet&#8217; first. The health service has listed eight groups of people who should avoid taking it, as it could cause a number of issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">Ibuprofen is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (swelling). Whilst it can be purchased over the counter from shops and pharmacies, some stronger types are available with a prescription. The <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-adults\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS<\/a> noted that the medication also has other brand names, including Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel and Ibuleve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">In addition to listing who can and cannot take it, it also warned that there are side effects that could exacerbate the symptoms you&#8217;re trying to alleviate. For example, one side effect is stomach aches, yet you could be taking it to help ease that pain.<\/p>\n<p>What can ibuprofen help with?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">Ibuprofen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often called an NSAID that can help with several issues. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"devonlive\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">headaches and migraines<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">joint and muscle pain<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">pain after an injury<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">toothache<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">period pain<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">reduce a high temperature (fever)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Who can and can&#8217;t have ibuprofen?<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_GettyImages-2170767665.jpg\" alt=\"An NHS logo \" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>The NHS has warned all 8 groups to be cautious(Image: Carl Court\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">But ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. The NHS cautioned that it may not be suitable if:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"NumberedList_numbered-list__oytz_\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"ordered-list\" publication=\"devonlive\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you&#8217;ve had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have a stomach ulcer or you&#8217;ve had them before<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have asthma or allergies (such as hay fever)<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have chickenpox<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have a heart, liver or kidney condition<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have problems with blood clotting<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you&#8217;ve had a stroke<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you&#8217;re pregnant or trying to get pregnant<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">The NHS warned: &#8220;Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it&#8217;s suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you&#8217;re not sure if you can use it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">It added: &#8220;Ibuprofen can cause more side effects than paracetamol. If you can take paracetamol, it&#8217;s a good idea to try it before taking ibuprofen.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What are the side effects of ibuprofen?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">There are several different types of ibuprofen, including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"devonlive\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">tablets and capsules<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">gels and sprays<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">liquid<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">granules you mix with water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">Common side effects of ibuprofen tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"devonlive\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">indigestion and stomach aches<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">headaches<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">a rash<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">dizziness<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">diarrhoea or constipation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">Possible serious side effects of Ibuprofen include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"devonlive\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">stomach ulcers or bleeding inside your stomach \u2013 causing symptoms such as tummy pain, shortness of breath, pale skin, vomiting blood or poo that&#8217;s black, sticky and tar-like<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">an allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) \u2013 causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">a problem with your kidneys \u2013 causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, blood in your pee or swelling in your ankles, feet or hands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">The health service said: &#8220;You&#8217;re less likely to get side effects from ibuprofen gel or spray. Ibuprofen will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until the dizziness stops.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>How long can I take ibuprofen for?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">You should never take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor, the NHS has warned. It asked people: &#8220;See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"devonlive\">For more information on the medication and all of its side effects, including how much to take and how to take it, you can view the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-adults\/\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The NHS have listed eight groups of people who should not take the medication Sophie Buchan Money and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":541629,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4315],"tags":[105,4326,211,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-541628","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medication","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-medication","10":"tag-nhs","11":"tag-uk","12":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115473435423016289","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=541628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541628\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/541629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=541628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=541628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=541628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}