Ibuprofen belongs to the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include such other over-the-counter medications as naproxen and aspirin. These drugs are very effective in relieving minor pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis, as well as many other causes of pain. There are, however, significant potential side effects associated with both long-term and short-term use.
The most common of these side effects are related to the stomach and bowels. As many as 50 percent of people, in fact, are unable to take these medications because they experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Long-term use can also increase your risk of developing an ulcer in either the stomach or the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). In fact, about 15 percent of chronic NSAID users will develop an ulcer. These ulcers may not cause symptoms until they have seriously progressed, and severe bleeding from the bowels may be the first sign of a problem. It has been estimated that in the last year more than 16,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions resulted from ulcer-related bleeding caused by NSAIDs.
Other potential complications can accompany long-term use — for example, kidney damage and liver impairment. People with asthma may also be sensitive to these drugs. In addition, NSAIDs may interact with other medications, including blood thinners.
Ibuprofen and its cousins are valuable drugs, but it's important to use them with caution. Even though they are available over the counter, significant potential side effects are associated with their use.
If you develop any gastrointestinal symptoms such as the ones I mentioned above, stop taking the ibuprofen and see your doctor. And next time you visit your doctor, be sure to discuss your ibuprofen use with him or her. If you ever see signs of intestinal bleeding (passage of black stools or blood in the stool), seek medical care immediately.