- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Ibuprofen
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
GENERIC NAME(S): IBUPROFEN
Uses: Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.
Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat gout attacks.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
GENERIC NAME(S): IBUPROFEN
WARNINGS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be greater if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop taking ibuprofen and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: black/tarry stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.
Uses
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.
Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat gout attacks.
How to use ibuprofen
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ibuprofen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If you have stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed by your doctor or the package label. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor.
When ibuprofen is used by children, the dose is based on the child's weight. Read the package directions to find the proper dose for your child's weight. Consult the pharmacist or doctor if you have questions or if you need help choosing a nonprescription product.
For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.
If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. If you are using the nonprescription product to treat yourself or a child for fever or pain, consult the doctor right away if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, or if pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, sudden/unexplained weight gain, unexplained stiff neck, change in amount of urine, vision changes, unusual tiredness.
This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
IBUPROFEN Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with ibuprofen:
Common side effects of ibuprofen:
Rash Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Heartburn Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of ibuprofen:
Itching Severe
Ringing in the Ears Severe
Visible Water Retention Severe
Water Retention Severe
Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Rare side effects of ibuprofen:
A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine Severe
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas Severe
Allergic Reaction causing Serum Sickness Severe
Anemia Severe
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period Severe
Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
Blind Spot in the Eye Severe
Bloody Urine Severe
Blurred Vision Severe
Bronchospasm Severe
Burning Stomach Severe
Canker Sore Severe
Chest Pain Severe
Chest Tightness Severe
Chronic Heart Failure Severe
Confused Severe
Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Depression Severe
Double Vision Severe
Dry Eye Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Excess Urination Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Hallucination Severe
Hearing Problem Severe
Heart Attack Severe
Hemolytic AnemiaSevere
Hepatitis Severe
Hepatitis caused by Drugs Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Hives Severe
Increased Eosinophils in the Blood Severe
Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
Inflammation of the Bladder Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Severe
Inflammation of the Skin with Blisters Severe
Kidney Damage Severe
Kidney Disease Severe
Kidney Failure Severe
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
Lupus-Like Syndrome Severe
Meningitis Not Caused by an Infection Severe
Mental Impairment Severe
Mood Changes Severe
Nosebleed Severe
Numbness, Tingling or Pain of Hands or Feet Severe
Pink Eye Severe
Problems with Eyesight Severe
Red Blood in Bowel Movement Severe
Renal Papillary Necrosis Severe
Renal Tubular Necrosis Severe
Skin Rash with Sloughing Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Stomach or Intestinal Ulcer Severe
Stomach Ulcer Severe
Stroke Severe
Throwing Up Blood Severe
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Ulcer from Stomach Acid Severe
Ulcers of Esophagus Severe
Vasculitis Severe
Vision Changes caused by Medications Severe
Vocal Cord Swelling Severe
Wheezing Severe
Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems Severe
Anxious Less Severe
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Less Severe
Mouth Irritation Less Severe
Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), blood disorders (such as anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers).
Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including ibuprofen. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual change in the amount of urine.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal bleeding and kidney problems.
Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), lithium, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide).
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ketorolac, or naproxen). These drugs are similar to ibuprofen and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Daily use of ibuprofen may decrease aspirin's ability to prevent heart attack/stroke. Talk to your doctor about using a different medication (such as acetaminophen) to treat pain/fever. If you must take ibuprofen, talk to your doctor about possibly taking immediate-release aspirin (not enteric-coated/EC) while taking ibuprofen. Take ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or at least 30 minutes after your aspirin dose. Do not increase your daily dose of aspirin or change the way you take aspirin/other medications without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness.
Notes
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not share it with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, kidney function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Missed Dose
If you are taking this drug on a regular schedule (not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.