Health · Medicine, Made Safer
Ibuprofen: When to Avoid It
By the eva team · · 2 min read
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that can help relieve period cramps, pain and inflammation. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Allergies, asthma, dehydration, stomach or kidney problems, bleeding risks, pregnancy and other medicines can affect whether ibuprofen is safe for you. Always check the label and ask a trusted adult, pharmacist or healthcare professional when you are unsure.
1. When Should I Avoid Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen can help with period pain, but being available without a prescription does not mean it is safe for everyone. Your age, health conditions, current illness and other medicines must be considered before taking it.
2. Check The Age And Label First
Different ibuprofen products have different age restrictions, strengths and directions. Some tablets are suitable only from age 12. Always use a product intended for your age and follow the instructions on its package or leaflet.
3. Avoid It After An Allergic Or Asthma Reaction
Do not take ibuprofen if you have previously had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another anti-inflammatory medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using it if you have asthma, especially if pain medicines have caused wheezing or breathing problems before.
4. Dehydration Can Increase The Kidney Risk
Check with a healthcare professional before taking ibuprofen if you have kidney problems or signs of dehydration. Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or drinking very little can reduce body fluids, so ibuprofen may not be the right choice until you receive advice.
5. Stomach Or Bleeding Problems Need Extra Care
Ibuprofen may not be suitable if you have had a stomach ulcer, stomach or intestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease or a condition that increases bleeding risk. Serious warning signs include severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or black, tar-like stools.
6. Do Not Combine It With Similar Medicines
Taking ibuprofen with another anti-inflammatory medicine can increase the chance of side effects. Other medicines including blood thinners, steroids and some antidepressants may also interact with it. Check the active ingredients and ask a pharmacist before combining medicines.
7. Illness Or Pregnancy Can Change What Is Safe
Do not use ibuprofen during chickenpox unless a doctor recommends it. Ask a healthcare professional before taking it if pregnancy could be possible. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen should generally be avoided from around 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
8. Ask Before Taking It When You Are Unsure
Stop taking ibuprofen and get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, vomiting blood, black stools or severe stomach pain. A pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you choose safer pain relief when ibuprofen is unsuitable.