IBUPROFEN (eye BYOO proe fen) treats mild to moderate pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It may also be used to reduce fever. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Asthma
Bleeding problems
Dehydration
Frequently drink alcohol
Have had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-stroke
Heart bypass surgery, or CABG, within the past 2 weeks
Heart or blood vessel conditions
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Lupus
Stomach bleeding
Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
Tobacco use
An unusual or allergic reaction to ibuprofen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
If you get this medication as a prescription, a special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
What if I miss a dose?
If you take this medication on a regular basis, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Cidofovir
Ketorolac
This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Blood thinners
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Diuretics
Lithium
Medications for blood pressure
Methotrexate
Other NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as naproxen
Some medications for depression
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Supplements, such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
Increase in blood pressure
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister
Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Upset stomach
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 2 days, talk to your care team.
Talk to your care team right away if you have a painful sore throat or a sore throat with high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These may be signs of a serious infection.
Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, while you are taking this medication. Side effects, such as upset stomach, nausea, and ulcers, may be more likely to occur. Many over-the-counter medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. It is important to read labels carefully. Talk to your care team about all the medications you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together.
This medication can cause serious bleeding, ulcers, or tears in the stomach. These problems can occur at any time and with no warning signs. They are more common with long-term use. Talk to your care team right away if you have stomach pain, bloody or black, tar-like stools, or vomit blood that is red or looks like coffee grounds.
This medication increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. These events can occur at any time. They are more common with long-term use and in those who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your care team. They can help you find an option that works for you.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Taking this medication after 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious birth defects. Use of this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy is not recommended.
This medication may cause infertility. It is usually temporary. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
