A doctor has explained five brutal health issues you are more likely to experience by taking ibuprofen for a long period of time.
It comes as one man was left with awful consequences after taking a staggering, and dangerous, 1176 ibuprofen tables in just one month.
The medicine is incredibly common, with it being available over the counter just like paracetamol.
But as with anything you take to alleviate pain, there is a certain level of danger that comes with taking the medicine with many side effects reported over the years.
In particular, you leave yourself open to serious health conditions by long term exposure to the medicine, according to one doctor.
Danger of ibuprofen
First thing is first, ibuprofen is not the same as paracetamol.
Paracetamol works by blocking pain messages to the brain. On the other hand, ibuprofen has more anti-inflammatory properties and works by blocking pain messengers at the site of the pain itself.
Many take both to manage pain, with it useful in managing chronic conditions that can impact day to day life. But using it such a way leaves you open to harm, so says Dr Gerard Sinovich.
Dr Sinovich, a Lead Pain Consultant at the medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, says: “Ibuprofen is often prescribed for conditions such as back pain and pain caused by injury-related sprains and strains. An adult may be able to take 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) per dose every four to six hours, with a maximum of 1,200 mg per day.
“However, taking ibuprofen on a long-term basis can lead to some seriously damaging health conditions. In the UK, we are on the brink of a pain endemic, with an additional 1.9 million people expected to be living with chronic pain by 204. For that reason, it’s vital that we fully understand the side effects of consistent and regular painkiller use.”
With that in mind, here are five serious health conditions Dr Sinovich is warning about if you regularly take ibuprofen for extended periods of time.
Heart failure
Your chances of experiencing heart failure are increased.
“Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the body,” the doctor explained.
“To do this, they inhibit the production of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) in the kidneys. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and fluids, which can then lead to heart attacks, heart failure, stroke and increased blood pressure.
“In fact, NSAID use has been found to approximately double the risk of hospital admission due to heart failure and increase systolic blood pressure by an average of 2 to 3 mmHg.5.”
Severe stomach inflammation
Indigestion and heartburn are all too common side effects even when taking the correct dosage, Dr Sinovich says.
He explains: “However, people who take too much ibuprofen may experience side effects such as severe stomach pain, stomach ulcers and severe bleeding in the digestive tract and diarrhoea. In fact, gastrointestinal adverse events like this are increased two to four-fold by the use of all NSAIDs, and this increase is dose-dependent.
“For this reason, people with a history of bleeding or ulcers in the gut should completely avoid ibuprofen.”
Kidney failure
“Kidney failure can occur when ibuprofen is overdosed,” Dr Sinovich explains. “Whilst in most cases healthcare professionals can reverse kidney failure as a result of a large dosage of ibuprofen, it is still absolutely something to avoid.
“Signs of kidney failure include swelling in the feet, ankles, legs and hands, and notice sudden urine changes such as urinating more frequently, or producing little to no urine.”
Cause of chronic pain
Dr Sinovich says there is ‘research to suggest’ that even a short-term consumption of ibuprofen can ‘actually increase the chances of developing chronic pain’.
He said: “Recovery from acute pain as a result of a painful injury, for example, involves inflammation – this is the body’s natural reaction to injury and infection. Ibuprofen works to stop inflammation, however, research shows that this can actually have a reverse effect, and over time the acute pain can become chronic.”
Liver failure
“Ibuprofen increases the aminotransferase enzyme (ALT) levels that are released when liver cells die or are damaged. This increase can lead to liver damage or liver disease,” he warns.
“For this reason, it’s important to avoid taking ibuprofen alongside any substances that can damage the liver, such as alcohol.”
