A doctor has issued a warning over the prolonged use of a common over-the-counter medicine, stating that it can result in a serious medical condition if it’s “taken around the clock”
A doctor has issued a stark warning about the potential side effects of overusing a common over-the-counter medicine. In a recent video, YouTuber and family physician Doctor Mike invited a number of doctors with varying specialities to share their medical advice with his 13.2 million subscribers.
Dr Austin Chiang, an interventional gastroenterologist, highlighted the dangers of people overusing a common painkiller that many of us pick up during our supermarket shop. He warned that prolonged use of the drug can contribute to a medical condition that the NHS says can result in a burning pain in the centre of your abdomen.
Dr Chiang stated: “One thing I would never do because of what I learned in my specialty is take an anti-inflammatory pain medication, like Motrin, Advil, Aleve, long-term, around the clock, indefinitely because that really wears away at the protective lining of your stomach.
“It can cause ulcers and people don’t realise that some over-the-counter medications can have effects like that if you keep on taking them without stopping them.”
Motrin and Advil are brand names for ibuprofen, while Aleve is a brand name for naproxen. Both are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are commonly used as painkillers, reports Surrey Live.
The NHS explains that stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, but they can also occur in your intestine (duodenal ulcers), with the symptoms remaining the same.
Stomach ulcers occur when the protective layer of your stomach lining is damaged, often due to a helicobacter pylori infection or prolonged use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. This is particularly common in men over 60, but anyone can develop them.
Symptoms include a burning abdominal pain, indigestion, acid reflux, nausea and heartburn. The NHS advises seeing your doctor if you suspect you have a stomach ulcer.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if you experience dark, tar-like stools or a sharp, worsening stomach pain. If you’re vomiting blood, head to A&E or dial 999 as this could indicate serious issues like internal bleeding.
Overdosing on NSAIDs can also be dangerous, so seek immediate medical help if this occurs. If severe symptoms like breathing difficulties, seizures, or loss of consciousness occur, call 999 immediately.
More information about stomach ulcers and NSAIDs can be found on the NHS website.
