Health Alert for Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin Users Over Potentially Serious Risks

Medication comes with risk, even easily accessible over-the-counter types. This includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen is more commonly known under brand names, like Advil, Motrin, and Nurofen; naproxen is known under the brand Aleve. Many individuals don’t think twice about popping these pills to fix a headache or take it regularly for chronic pain. However, they can cause dangerous side effects for certain people.

What are NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used to reduce stiffness, fevers, and pain. They work by inhibiting the body’s production of chemicals that cause inflammation.  Healthcare professionals often recommend them for arthritis, back pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and toothaches. “Over-the-counter medicines can be very helpful, but people need to take them with caution,” said anesthesiologist Donna-Ann Thomas, MD, to Yale Medicine. “You have to remember you are still taking a medication. It’s important to follow the directions on the label, especially if you have medical issues or take other medications.” Cleveland Clinic recommends taking NSAIDS for no more than three days for fevers and no more than ten days for pain, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Even so, it’s important to look out for side effects when on naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for any amount of time.

Who Should Avoid NSAIDs?

Keep in mind, NSAIDs don’t help the body heal; in fact, a 2024 medical review shows evidence that they may slow bone healing. So although a person may feel better, their body may still be recovering. For instance, mild fevers actually aid the healing process. Also, pain is how the body asks for rest, and sometimes ignoring this request can lead to strain and worsened symptoms. Additionally, NSAIDS can lead to the development of stomach ulcers. So it’s advised to take them with food, or not at all. People who should avoid NSAIDs include those with:

• Bleeding disorders
• Chronic acid reflux or GERD
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Heart failure
• History of heart attack or stroke
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Stomach ulcers
• Ulcerative colitis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Unmanaged high blood pressure
• Upcoming surgical procedures

Additionally, people should avoid aspirin if they have asthma that worsens after taking it. Children and teenagers with viral infections shouldn’t take aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Speak to your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you are 65+, take blood thinners, or consume alcohol daily.

Potential Side Effects

Even over-the-counter ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can cause negative side effects if not used properly. Unless directed by your provider, don’t take multiple NSAIDs or more than the recommended dosage. The most common side effects include stomach pain, gas, bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Others may include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and trouble concentrating and balancing. Dr. Mark Porter, GP, pointed out that many individuals who take low-dose aspirin to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots know about the risk of increased bleeding. “However, too few people taking NSAIDs realize quite how dangerous they can be to some,” he wrote in The Times.“NSAIDs account for about a third of all NHS hospital admissions caused by adverse drug reactions, which in turn account for about one in five hospital beds. And it is not just bleeding from the gut; NSAIDs can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.”

Dr. Porter explained that people who suffer from stomach issues such as heartburn or indigestion may find their symptoms worsened by occasional NSAIDs. “…But if taken long term, they can do much worse. The same mechanism of action (prostaglandin inhibition) that helps most NSAIDs to ease aches and pains weakens the stomach’s natural defence against its own gastric juices, leading to irritation, ulceration, bleeding, and even perforation.”

According to Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP, seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Black or bloody stools
• Cloudy or bloody urine 
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit
• Jaundice
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Difficulty with thinking or speaking
• Allergic reactions such as rashes, chest pain, fatigue, itchy skin, heart palpitations, unexplained bruising, trouble breathing, fluid build-up, and flu-like symptoms.

NSAIDs Alternatives 

NSAIDs aren’t the only way to manage pain. Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) doesn’t target inflammation, but it can still lower fevers and provide relief, according to a 2020 review. However, taking it improperly can cause liver damage, so speak to a healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about its interactions with medications or underlying conditions. Another alternative is topical NSAIDs or lidocaine creams. They can alleviate muscle and joint pain while mitigating potential gastrointestinal side effects. A 2021 study found it particularly helpful for osteoarthritis.

If you suffer from chronic pain and/or inflammation, speak to a medical professional about creating a pain management plan that may involve lifestyle or dietary changes. Chronic conditions can poorly impact sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. If you rely on over-the-counter medications to get through the day, that’s a clear sign to talk to your doctor about what’s causing the pain and how to manage it most effectively.

Read More: Man took 1,176 ibuprofen tablets in one month and suffered major consequences