Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication that can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. It is usually a go-to medication for many. It can be used to reduce pain and swelling and help with fever reduction. But in higher doses, it can be used for more severe pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe back pain, and gout. And like all other medications, Ibuprofen can have side effects regardless of how often it is taken. Overuse or prolonged may also cause more severe side effects.
What are Short-Term Side Effects of Taking Ibuprofen?
Taking Ibuprofen as needed can lead to the following results:
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Headache
Not everyone who takes ibuprofen will experience side effects. A person’s weight, overall health, medications they’re taking, and how much Ibuprofen they’re taking can lead to side effects and how severe those side effects are.
What are Long-Term Side Effects?
Like other medications taking Ibuprofen for a long time can lead to dependency and long-term side effects. Some side effects are severe enough to impact a person’s quality of life. As previously mentioned, the severity of the long-term side effects are different for each individual. Possible long-term side effects are:
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face and itching)
- Kidney damage
- Ulcers in stomach
- Blood in bowels
- Yellowing of skin
There has been talk in the news that taking Ibuprofen can increase risks or symptoms of the coronavirus or COVID-19. However, there is not enough medical evidence to support that theory.
Taking any medication, including Ibuprofen, for a long period of time will have some consequences. Therefore, it’s important to always speak with your primary care physician or a medical professional before taking medications for a prolonged amount of time. And most importantly, medications should be taken as prescribed, per the recommendations on the bottle.
If you have a high fever or a headache that won’t go away, call Hospitality Health ER Galveston on Seawall Blvd. We provide urgent and emergency care services.
