What is Ibuprofen?

An example of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to relieve pain and swelling. It is thought to have lower levels of side effects than other NSAIDS and is widely found throughout over-the-counter painkiller medications.

Reported Purpose & Perceived Effectiveness

Reasons and Perceived effectiveness
Perceived Effectiveness
Purpose # of patients # of patients with evaluations
Major
Moderate
Slight
None
Can’t tell
929 176 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
462 45 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
213 22 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none
169 30 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
87 11 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
81 10 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell

See all 2,197 patients currently taking Ibuprofen

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Reported Side Effects

Side effects as an overall problem

Severe
23
Moderate
35
Mild
74
None
252

Commonly reported side effects, conditions, and hospitalizations associated with Ibuprofen

32
27
5
Hospitalization 5
5
4
See all 65 reported side effects See top 6 reported side effects

Reported Dosages

Frequently reported dosages based on patients currently taking Ibuprofen. See all 148 dosages

  2 200mg as needed 600mg as needed 400mg as needed 800mg as needed 3 200mg as needed 200mg as needed 4 200mg as needed 400 mg daily 600 mg daily 800 mg daily
  235 Number of Patients: 235 93 Number of Patients: 93 103 Number of Patients: 103 166 Number of Patients: 166 145 Number of Patients: 145 162 Number of Patients: 162 156 Number of Patients: 156 119 Number of Patients: 119 78 Number of Patients: 78 168 Number of Patients: 168  

Reported Stop Reasons

Why Patients Stopped Taking Ibuprofen (multiple reasons could be selected)
Reason # Patients Percentage of patients
Did not seem to work 176   Did not seem to work: 29%
Doctor's advice 168   Doctor's advice: 28%
Other 152   Other: 25%
Side effects too severe 102   Side effects too severe: 17%
Course of treatment ended 67   Course of treatment ended: 11%
Not indicated 24   Not indicated: 4%
Personal research 23   Personal research: 4%
Expense 4   Expense: 1%
Change in health plan coverage 3   Change in health plan coverage: 0%

See all 578 patients who’ve stopped taking Ibuprofen

Currently Taking Ibuprofen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Stopped Taking Ibuprofen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Reported Adherence, Burden & Cost See details from patient evaluations

Adherence

Taking treatment as prescribed

Adherence of Ibuprofen

Always
173 45%
Usually
127 33%
Sometimes
63 16%
Never
21 5%

Burden

Difficulty being on treatment

Burden of Ibuprofen

Very
6 2%
Somewhat
19 5%
A little
59 15%
Not at all
300 78%

Cost

Paid out of pocket

Cost of Ibuprofen

$200+
0 0%
$100-199
1 0%
$50-99
1 0%
$25-49
10 4%
< $25
231 95%

Sort by: Helpfulness | Most Recent

81 patient evaluations for Ibuprofen

  • vbeachy
    Sex: M
    Data Quality: 3 stars
    MS: 16 yrs
    Type: Relapsing-Remitting
    Sensation: Moderate
    Overall: Mild
    Cognition: mild
    Vision: moderate
    Speech: none
    Swallowing: none
    Upper limb: none
    Walking: moderate
  • 3685-thumb
  • See vbeachy's full Ibuprofen history
Purpose: Inflammation (Started Apr 27, 2003)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
May 17, 2013 As needed Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major NoneNoneNoneNoneNone UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Oct 03, 2009 As needed Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate NoneNoneNoneNoneNone UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Apr 27, 2009 As needed Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate NoneNoneNoneNoneNone UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA littleA little
Date
Apr 27, 2009
Advice & Tips
I take IB when the buzzing and burning of my feet and hands gets bad. It helps.
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
Purposes: Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis (Started Feb 25, 2013)
Date Dosage Fibromyalgia Perceived effectiveness Osteoarthritis Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Feb 26, 2013 1600 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate NoneNoneNoneNoneNone SometimesSometimesSometimesSometimesSometimes Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
  • LapisLee
    Data Quality: 2 stars
    • Sex: Male
    • Age: 54y
    Condition: Chronic Kidney Disease 5 additional condition(s)
    Quality of Life:
    • Mental: None
    • Physical: None
    I am: Good
  • 39354-thumb
  • See LapisLee's full Ibuprofen history
Purpose: Pain (Started Aug 22, 2012)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jan 30, 2013 400 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate NoneNoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Jan 30, 2013
Advice & Tips
Great anti-inflammatory if you are not allowed to take Acetaminophen.
Cost
< $25 monthly
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
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What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Ibuprofen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


Precautions

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
  • heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
  • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
  • asthma;
  • polyps in your nose; or
  • liver or kidney disease,
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
  • if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ibuprofen.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby. However, taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take ibuprofen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels. If you must use both medications, take the ibuprofen at least 8 hours before or 30 minutes after you take the aspirin (non-enteric coated form).

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to ibuprofen (such as ketoprofen or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

Do not drink alcohol while taking ibuprofen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Ibuprofen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

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Instructions

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Since ibuprofen is sometimes taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ibuprofen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • swelling or rapid weight gain;
  • urinating less than usual or not at all;
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
  • bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
  • fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

  • upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;
  • bloating, gas;
  • dizziness, headache, nervousness;
  • skin itching or rash;
  • blurred vision; or
  • ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with ibuprofen may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Before taking ibuprofen, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

  • aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others;
  • an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
  • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
  • diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);
  • methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
  • steroids (prednisone and others); or
  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ibuprofen. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Other Names

Advil, Advil Childrens, Advil Junior Strength, Advil Liquigel, Advil Migraine, Advil Pediatric, Childrens Ibuprofen Berry, Genpril, Haltran, IBU-200, Ibuprofen PMR, Midol IB, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Motrin, Motrin Childrens, Motrin IB, Motrin Infant Drops, Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, NeoProfen, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever, Q-Profen, Rufen, Saleto-200, Saleto-400, Saleto-600, Saleto-800, ibuprofen, Ibu, Ibu-4, Ibu-6, Ibu-8, Ibu-Tab, Menadol, and Motrin Pediatric

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Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04

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