Ibuprofen Users Comment on Side Effects and Usage, page 8

Ibuprofen Feedback

If you use Ibuprofen, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Should you lie down when you take it?
Date: 7/6/2012
I have bruffen and I asked my doctor should you lie down when you take them he said yes you can then I said to him I was told the small hernia I have got was because of the bruffen and that I was laying down so now I don’t know what to believe so if you can help me it would be appritricatation.

Margaret

AskDocWeb: The potential problem with lying down results from the acidic nature of this medication. As with all acidic compounds, patients are generally advised to remain upright (not necessarily standing, but at least sitting up) anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours after consumption, depending on how it affects them. This is because the risk of choking or regurgitation is greater if an individual lies down immediately after taking it. For some this is not a problem but for others it is.

Copper taste
7/20/2012
So I’ve been taking Ibuprofen for the past couple days and I’m starting to realize food does not taste the same. Almost like a copper taste. Is this normal?

Phil

AskDocWeb: It is rare (less than 1%) but a metallic taste has been reported by others using Ibuprofen.

Since blood can also have a metallic taste almost like copper, you may want to call your physician for a check-up. It might be nothing but it’s safer to find out. Bleeding like that can be related to esophageal problems which could potentially be dangerous.

Are allergies genetic?
7/22/2012
My sister took Rexall Ibuprofen gel caps and she had a severe allergic reaction. She broke out in hives, her eyes turned red, and she was only alert times one 1. Why do you think this occurred? I have asthma and I had a gastric bypass do you think this will happen to me?

Mickey

AskDocWeb: Having a sibling with an allergy does increase the possibility of having that same allergy. If only one parent has allergies of any type, chances are 1 in 3 that each child will have an allergy. Researchers have known for some time that allergies have a genetic link but there are also other factors involved such as exposure to infectious diseases during early childhood, environmental pollution, and diet.

Hives reaction
7/23/2012
My husband went to the ER for back pain. The doctor gave him ibuprofen 800mg. He took one before bed, woke up with hives. He did not take anymore but then he woke up again this AM without any consumption of the drug and also woke up with hives. Is this normal to have this reaction this long for one pill?

Stacy

AskDocWeb: Hives can come and go, and return again over a period of time. One problem is that there are many substances that can trigger hives including:

  • Animal dander (especially cats)
  • Emotional stress
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Extreme cold or sun exposure
  • Illness (including lupus, other autoimmune diseases, and leukemia
  • Infections such as mononucleosis
  • Insect bites
  • Medications
  • Pollen
  • Shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and other foods

Hives may be uncomfortable, but they generally are harmless and disappear on their own. However, if the hives are severe call your health care provider.

Black stool
7/31/2012
I have been taking advil for the last few weeks. I will admit I eat terrible during the day if at all. Last night I noticed black stool. I have stopped the advil. I dont have a doctor and really dont want to go to one. If I did something to my stomach by taking too much advil do you think stopping it will make it better?

Jenna

AskDocWeb: That depends on what is causing the black stool. A dark or black stool can be caused by Pepto Bismol, iron supplemnts or dark colored foods but typically it indicates bleeding in the upper intestine. This is blood that has been in your intestines long enough to turn from red to black by oxidation. We consider rectal bleeding to be an alarming symptom that requires additional investigation. It is important to locate the source of rectal bleeding so that you can get the appropriate treatment.

Blind spot, difficulty speaking, and numbness
8/1/2012
Last weekend I took 2 ibuprofen a day for about three days. The first thing I noticed was a blind spot in the eye. Awhile later, my speech became garbled. What I wanted to say wasn’t anywhere near what came out of my mouth. I quit taking the ibuprofen after 3 days. Yesterday as I was sitting at my computer, my right arm started going numb. I called a nurse but was told that ibuprofen was probably not the cause of these problems. But in reading about side effects, a blind spot in the eye, difficulty in speaking, and numbness were all considered serious, though rare, side effects. These last few days have been frightening, to say the least. I don’t know what to take for an anti-inflammatory because Aleve seems just as bad.

Dorothy

AskDocWeb: We suggest you go beyond the nurse and discuss your symptoms with your doctor, especially if they happen again. You may also want to consider using herbs to reduce inflammation.

What are the risks of Ibuprofen
8/24/2012
I have been suffering from a HORRIBLE toothache lately and can’t get into the Dentist until the 30th of this month. I have been taking 800mg Ibuprofen for about the last wk. At first I was taking them regularly, 1 tablet every 8hrs, then my pain became immune to it I guess, so now im taking about 2 800mg tab about every 5hrs or so. Since I’ve started that, I have started lucky spotting brownish red type blood, but indeed not my period, could this be from Ibuprofen and should I stop? Is it dangerous? What are my risks? Please help. Thanx

Keturah

AskDocWeb: According to an article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute taking Ibuprofen on a regular bases long-term (5 or more years) increases the risk of breast cancer by 51%. Taking high doses increases the risk of all side effects noted here as well as

  • Anaphylaxis (hypersensitivity reaction)
  • Bleeding in people taking SSRI antidepressants
  • Chest pain
  • Heart attack
  • Hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Miscarriage
  • Kidney damage, renal failure
  • Stomach ulcer, stomach problems
  • Stroke

While anyone taking Ibuprofen can be affected, people at greatest risk are the elderly and those with other risk factors for the above conditions. Seek medical attention right away if any of the following SEVERE side effects occur:

  • bloody or black, tarry stools
  • change in the amount of urine produced
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • dark urine
  • depression
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever or chills
  • mental or mood changes
  • numbness of an arm or leg
  • persistent sore throat
  • red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • seizures
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
  • severe headache or dizziness
  • severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea
  • severe vomiting
  • shortness of breath
  • stiff neck
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • swelling of hands, legs, or feet
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • unusual joint or muscle pain
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • speech or vision changes
  • vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • weakness on one side of the body
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is NOT a complete list of all the side effects that might occur. Ibuprofen report – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – Page 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – Last Page 12

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