Many of us rely on ibuprofen, along with other over-the-counter drugs, to manage day-to-day symptoms, but it comes with its risks.
A medical expert has sounded the alarm on the dangers of habitual painkiller use, noting that many individuals are unaware of the risks involved. The doctor particularly cautioned against regular consumption of ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the UK, which is also available under brand names Nurofen, Calprofen, and Ibuleve.
Ibuprofen functions by suppressing hormones that cause pain and inflammation, offering relief from various discomforts such as backache, menstrual cramps, toothache, and symptoms linked to colds, flu, or COVID-19. However, it’s critical to be aware of the proper dosage and usage of ibuprofen to prevent adverse effects.
Doctor Sermed Mezher turned to TikTok to share insights. In his video about practices he would “never do” as a physician, one key piece of advice was to avoid daily over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for extended periods.
As reported by SurreyLive, he cautioned: “First is taking over the counter anti-inflammatories every day over a long period of time because people don’t realise that it can actually wear away at your stomach lining and even lead to ulcers.” Dr Mezher’s guidance is applicable to other NSAIDs too, including Aspirin, Naproxen, and Diclofenac.
On its website, the NHS issues a word of caution regarding the use of ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): “Many people take NSAIDs without having any side effects.” It continues to highlight potential risks, noting: “But there’s always a risk the medication could cause problems, such as stomach ulcers, particularly if taken for a long time or at high doses. You may be advised not to take NSAIDs if you currently have or have had a stomach ulcer.”
The advice doesn’t stop there; due to ibuprofen’s effects on the stomach, it’s recommended to take it with food—a meal, snack, or even just a glass of milk. The NHS emphasises the importance of urgent medical attention, instructing individuals to call a doctor, or dial 111 immediately and cease taking ibuprofen, should they experience black stools or blood in their vomit, as these symptoms may indicate stomach bleeding.
Additionally, signs of kidney issues, such as swollen ankles, blood in urine, or an inability to urinate, also require prompt action. In cases of severe chest or stomach pain—which might signal a perforation in the stomach or gut—the NHS advises calling 999 or heading straight to A&E.
