This is the official advice for people who take certain medications
Here’s what you need to know about NHS “do not mix” warning for ibuprofen
- The NHS has issued guidance cautioning against combining ibuprofen with other commonly used medications. Mixing these pain relievers could lead to some unpleasant side effects.
- Ibuprofen is one of the most widely purchased painkillers available without requiring a doctor’s prescription. Also marketed under the brand names Nurofen, Calprofen and Ibuleve, it belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – commonly referred to as NSAIDs.
- However, this is where you need to be careful. The NHS warns on its website that you should not take ibuprofen alongside other NSAIDs.
- The NHS cautioned: āDo not take ibuprofen at the same time as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or aspirin. This can increase the risk of serious side effects like stomach ulcers.ā Other NSAIDs include diclofenac, celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, and indomethacin.
- “Common” side effects of ibuprofen include indigestion and stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting, headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, diarrhoea or constipation. More severe but less common side effects can include stomach ulcers or internal stomach bleeding, an allergic reaction, and kidney issues.
- It’s also crucial to be cautious with medications that might not be obvious as NSAIDs. “NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies,” the NHS advised.
- On top of this, for your safety, it’s recommended to inform your doctor if you’re consuming any of the following medicines before you commence taking any form of ibuprofen: medications that help prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, treatments for hypertension
- Corticosteroid medications, antibiotic treatments, antidepressant medications, and diabetic medications.
READ THE FULL STORY: NHS issues advice for Naproxen and aspirin users
