Dr Amir Khan said the pain-relieving drug could block important healing from taking place
Taking a common painkiller as soon as things start to hurt sounds like the right thing to do, but an NHS GP claims people could be adding more time onto their suffering if they reach for this cheap pill too quickly. TV’s Dr Amir Khan has reminded people to wait much longer than they probably are before turning to ibuprofen.
This widely available medicine, sold in supermarkets and chemists, can also be prescribed when stronger doses are required. It is commonly used to ease mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower high temperatures.
The drug works by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins – the chemicals responsible for triggering pain, swelling, and fever. So, taking this too hastily could leave people facing longer recovery periods from injuries and ailments.
Dr Khan, a familiar face to daytime television viewers on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, addressed the topic on his No Appointment Necessary podcast, reports the Express. He said that introducing ibuprofen too early could actually force the body to work harder during the healing process.
How long should I wait?
Dr Khan said: “Now, the newer bit [of research] about ibuprofen is when you should take it. When you’ve sprained your ankle or broken a bone or something like that, remember I said that some inflammation is good.
“Your immune system responds, comes to the scene, and starts sorting things out and healing. If you take ibuprofen too soon in that process, that can hinder your healing time.”
Dr Khan explained that his standard advice to patients with such injuries is “not to take [ibuprofen] within the first two or three days”. Paracetamol is typically safer to use straight after an injury, as the NHS states it helps block pain signals without disrupting the body’s natural healing process.
It is recommended that using this as a primary pain relief method can help prevent discomfort from worsening and maintain mobility. For more information about how paracetamol can help, click here.
Can ibuprofen cause side effects?
Like all medicines, ibuprofen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common complaints from taking tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include:
- indigestion and stomach aches
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- headaches
- a rash
- dizziness
- diarrhoea or constipation
The NHS claims you are less likely to get side effects from ibuprofen gel or spray, compared to tablets and capsules. The health service said: “To reduce the risk of side effects, take the smallest dose you need for the shortest time you need it.
“Do not take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor. For other types of ibuprofen, check the packet or leaflet to see how long you can use it for. See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away.” For more information, click here.
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