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Hi you medical geniuses/hypocondriacs,
Just wondering if there's any guidelines to taking ibuprofen for extended periods? (in fact, what is deemed to be an extended period)
I've got a 'sticky' hip (a technical term!!! It's a bit 'creaky' and hurts in my lower back/hip when I step forwards) and intend to see a doc about it, but getting an appointment with mine is like trying to get blood out of a stone. Started taking ibuprofen yesterday (400mg 3 times a day) and it HAS eased the pain a lot, so I guess it's an inflammation of something or other.
Anyway, all I am wondering is, is it okay to take ibuprofen constantly for a week or so, and what's the most I should take in a day.
Thanks in advance.
T
Just wondering if there's any guidelines to taking ibuprofen for extended periods? (in fact, what is deemed to be an extended period)
I've got a 'sticky' hip (a technical term!!! It's a bit 'creaky' and hurts in my lower back/hip when I step forwards) and intend to see a doc about it, but getting an appointment with mine is like trying to get blood out of a stone. Started taking ibuprofen yesterday (400mg 3 times a day) and it HAS eased the pain a lot, so I guess it's an inflammation of something or other.
Anyway, all I am wondering is, is it okay to take ibuprofen constantly for a week or so, and what's the most I should take in a day.
Thanks in advance.
T
In reply to TN:
Does it say on the packet? Off the top off my head I'd say a week should be ok, but no longer. Mrs Ridge has the odd brufen, (ibuprofen), before doing a long walk, and I'm sure she's mentioned unpleasant side effects from long term use. She works in endoscopy, so I'm assuming it's gastric bleeding or something similar.
Does it say on the packet? Off the top off my head I'd say a week should be ok, but no longer. Mrs Ridge has the odd brufen, (ibuprofen), before doing a long walk, and I'm sure she's mentioned unpleasant side effects from long term use. She works in endoscopy, so I'm assuming it's gastric bleeding or something similar.
In reply to TN:
Many serious side-effects with ibup. See a doctor if you intend taking it longer than 3 days.
Many serious side-effects with ibup. See a doctor if you intend taking it longer than 3 days.
In reply to Kinley:
That's why I asked - I figured it couldn't be too good long term but 'cos it was working for me thought I'd better check before I took it for too long.
Thanks guys! Will try to get the little hitlers to grant me an audience with a doctor in that case...
That's why I asked - I figured it couldn't be too good long term but 'cos it was working for me thought I'd better check before I took it for too long.
Thanks guys! Will try to get the little hitlers to grant me an audience with a doctor in that case...
In reply to TN:
Yeah, do see the doc. Apart from anything else, there are some painkillers you can and can't take on top of brufen, but I forget.
In my more active years (!) I was a serial abuser of brufen. After getting a bleeding stomach (evidenced by what was coming up as well as down), I stopped popping them like smarties... I recall my doc saying, "Told you so. Numpty".
If you're going to take them for longer than a day, I'd recommend always making sure you have at least lined your stomach first (food or a glass of milk).
Yeah, do see the doc. Apart from anything else, there are some painkillers you can and can't take on top of brufen, but I forget.
In my more active years (!) I was a serial abuser of brufen. After getting a bleeding stomach (evidenced by what was coming up as well as down), I stopped popping them like smarties... I recall my doc saying, "Told you so. Numpty".
If you're going to take them for longer than a day, I'd recommend always making sure you have at least lined your stomach first (food or a glass of milk).
In reply to TN:
this site has a warning about ALL NSAIDS, american but the message is the same here overall. I get given Loperamide? to take with NSAIDS if for a long period.
Are you taking glucosamine, if not try it for a month to see if it helps. Provides additional lubrication to joints, a bit like getting the grease gun out on an old car.
(Not meaning to say you are an old banger of course);-(
this site has a warning about ALL NSAIDS, american but the message is the same here overall. I get given Loperamide? to take with NSAIDS if for a long period.
Are you taking glucosamine, if not try it for a month to see if it helps. Provides additional lubrication to joints, a bit like getting the grease gun out on an old car.
(Not meaning to say you are an old banger of course);-(
In reply to JayH:
You wild and crazy chick....
> (In reply to TN)
>
> In my more active years (!) I was a serial abuser of brufen.
>
> In my more active years (!) I was a serial abuser of brufen.
You wild and crazy chick....
In reply to TN: My experience of relatively serious injury (fractured collar bone) is that the hospital prescribed ibuprofen for me for a couple of weeks. The major side efect from it is gastric bleeding, so if your stomach begins to feel bad it's best to stop taking it. Any pharmacist would be able to give you an informed overview of the side effects.
In reply to JayH:
At least he didn't call you 'an old banger' (thanks Sutty!!)
Blown it for the docs - just rang, no appointments left today, ring again Monday... <sigh>
At least he didn't call you 'an old banger' (thanks Sutty!!)
Blown it for the docs - just rang, no appointments left today, ring again Monday... <sigh>
In reply to TN:
Was on it for two weeks solid with whiplash, but kept the dose really low as I found even a couple a day (ie, one, twice a day) was enough to be reasonably effective. So staying on it but drastically reducing the dose might be an option worth trying.
Was on it for two weeks solid with whiplash, but kept the dose really low as I found even a couple a day (ie, one, twice a day) was enough to be reasonably effective. So staying on it but drastically reducing the dose might be an option worth trying.
In reply to gingerkate:
That is how I take them, just enough to keep the pain down as pain is good in small doses, it reminds you something is wrong. Masking it completely can lead to serious injury.
That is how I take them, just enough to keep the pain down as pain is good in small doses, it reminds you something is wrong. Masking it completely can lead to serious injury.
In reply to TN:
Not strictly Ibuprofen related but I get a very similar pain in my hip. I have found that seeing a chiropractor has helped with it (had to find one myself as my doc said the shooting pain was nothing to worry about!). If you don't fancy that try lying down (on your front) with an ice pack over the area (try pointy bit at top of pelvis/upper buttock). I have found this helps to reduce the inflammation in the joint plus gives you the chance to relax and have a lie down and claim you are lazing around for medical reasons.
Not strictly Ibuprofen related but I get a very similar pain in my hip. I have found that seeing a chiropractor has helped with it (had to find one myself as my doc said the shooting pain was nothing to worry about!). If you don't fancy that try lying down (on your front) with an ice pack over the area (try pointy bit at top of pelvis/upper buttock). I have found this helps to reduce the inflammation in the joint plus gives you the chance to relax and have a lie down and claim you are lazing around for medical reasons.
In reply to TN:
Always take with food if you possibly can.
Can give you a bit of a runny tummy though.
The effect is mildly cumulative - ie. taking 3x400mg over 24 hours will produce a stronger overall anti-inflammatory effect.
Can't you forward book an appointment?
J
Always take with food if you possibly can.
Can give you a bit of a runny tummy though.
The effect is mildly cumulative - ie. taking 3x400mg over 24 hours will produce a stronger overall anti-inflammatory effect.
Can't you forward book an appointment?
J
In reply to TN:
I snapped a ligament in my elbow a few years back and was prescribed excessive amount of ibuprofen for several weeks, i found it did me no harm at all though i have heard of the side effects.
so its prob not a good idea to go for extended sessions on it but i think some people are prob more susceptible to the evils of it than others
I snapped a ligament in my elbow a few years back and was prescribed excessive amount of ibuprofen for several weeks, i found it did me no harm at all though i have heard of the side effects.
so its prob not a good idea to go for extended sessions on it but i think some people are prob more susceptible to the evils of it than others
In reply to Moacs:
Tis true - I was about to add this. Perhaps if you build it up for a day or 2, you can reduce the overall amount to 3 x 200mg, say, as Gingerkate says?
Well, can't you?
> The effect is mildly cumulative - ie. taking 3x400mg over 24 hours will produce a stronger overall anti-inflammatory effect.
Tis true - I was about to add this. Perhaps if you build it up for a day or 2, you can reduce the overall amount to 3 x 200mg, say, as Gingerkate says?
> Can't you forward book an appointment?
Well, can't you?
In reply to JayH: Don't think it works cumulatively as an anti-inflammatory, only as a painkiller. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago with an inflamed and painful toe joint and when I told him I'd already tried Ibuprofen he sent me away with instructions to take 400mg 3 times a day as you need a permanent level in your bloodstream for it to reduce inflammation.
BTW, what counts as long term? Have been taking the stuff for 3 weeks now.
BTW, what counts as long term? Have been taking the stuff for 3 weeks now.
In reply to climbingpixie and JayH:
I recall me dad (an avid chemistry lecturer and keen nerdy professor type) reading New Scentist/Chemistry in Britain a while back and the article said that for Ibuprofen to have an anti-imflammatory effect you ahve to have at elast 800mg in your blood stream, hence why when i buggered up my arm spectacularly the doc prescribed me 2x400mg tablets every 4 hours...
I recall me dad (an avid chemistry lecturer and keen nerdy professor type) reading New Scentist/Chemistry in Britain a while back and the article said that for Ibuprofen to have an anti-imflammatory effect you ahve to have at elast 800mg in your blood stream, hence why when i buggered up my arm spectacularly the doc prescribed me 2x400mg tablets every 4 hours...
In reply to Sharket: Really? That much seems a lot, it says on the packet only 2x200 3 times a day. Maybe it depends on the individual, I'm only 5ft and 8st so I would imagine I need less.
What did you do to your arm?
What did you do to your arm?
In reply to TN: If you can't see your doc, go and see a pharmacist - they'll be able to tell you about it.
From experience though ALWAYS ALWAYS take just after food. I had a really nasty few months of stomach problems after a nice South African doctor pumped too much into me when I ripped my knee a few years ago. Can't take them at all now without serious side effects.
C-:
From experience though ALWAYS ALWAYS take just after food. I had a really nasty few months of stomach problems after a nice South African doctor pumped too much into me when I ripped my knee a few years ago. Can't take them at all now without serious side effects.
C-:
In reply to CarolineMc:
I had a really nasty few months of stomach problems after a nice South African doctor pumped too much into me when I ripped my knee a few years ago. Can't take them at all now without serious side effects.
Sorry, just had to re-read this - South African doctors ??
I had a really nasty few months of stomach problems after a nice South African doctor pumped too much into me when I ripped my knee a few years ago. Can't take them at all now without serious side effects.
>
> C-:
> C-:
Sorry, just had to re-read this - South African doctors ??
In reply to TN:
I cant take ibuprofen or alcohol anymore due to side effects of ibuprofen. I'd avoid it if at all possible. See if you can get the same relief from paracetamol as its alot safer. Its also an anti inflammatory so worth a try.
p
I cant take ibuprofen or alcohol anymore due to side effects of ibuprofen. I'd avoid it if at all possible. See if you can get the same relief from paracetamol as its alot safer. Its also an anti inflammatory so worth a try.
p
In reply to TN:
Only side effect after taking for a couple of weeks was vertigo every time I stood up and moved around....which was very wierd....thought I had a brain tumour until the doctor explained that it was a side effect. Soon stopped taking it.
Only side effect after taking for a couple of weeks was vertigo every time I stood up and moved around....which was very wierd....thought I had a brain tumour until the doctor explained that it was a side effect. Soon stopped taking it.
In reply to whoever listens: I took then for a long time under doc's orders, months if I recall rightly, for bad knees caused by running on roads etc. Really screwed up my stomach and now need to take pills daily to combat the damage caused. Would never advise anyone taking them. Gave me ulcers and the resulting magic eye found a hiatal hernia, hence the pills, almost certainly caused/made worse by ibuprofen - nasty stuff!! Like others have said, if you take them make sure you eat before hand.
Banana
Banana
In reply to TN:
Seems you are getting all sorts of conflicting advice/opinions so I'll throw my hat in the ring for what it's worth. I've had very painful spondylosis of the neck, upper spine and Rt. shoulder since my mid-twenties (one of the reasons I stopped climbing for 25 years) and have learned to control it (which suits me but maybe not others)with a combination of Syndol (paracetamol with small amount of muscle relaxant...bought over the counter) and ibuprofen.
I never take more than 2 Syndol three times in a 24hr period (normally only once) and 1x200mg ibuprofen twice in the same period and always with food and just as importantly half a cup of liquid. The Syndol seems to control the pain and the ibuprofen the inflamation. I've told a number of doctors about this regime over the years and so far none have advised against it.
I'm not medically trained so not recommending this to others, just sharing my own experience with you. Check what may be best for you with a doctor / pharmacist.
John.J
Seems you are getting all sorts of conflicting advice/opinions so I'll throw my hat in the ring for what it's worth. I've had very painful spondylosis of the neck, upper spine and Rt. shoulder since my mid-twenties (one of the reasons I stopped climbing for 25 years) and have learned to control it (which suits me but maybe not others)with a combination of Syndol (paracetamol with small amount of muscle relaxant...bought over the counter) and ibuprofen.
I never take more than 2 Syndol three times in a 24hr period (normally only once) and 1x200mg ibuprofen twice in the same period and always with food and just as importantly half a cup of liquid. The Syndol seems to control the pain and the ibuprofen the inflamation. I've told a number of doctors about this regime over the years and so far none have advised against it.
I'm not medically trained so not recommending this to others, just sharing my own experience with you. Check what may be best for you with a doctor / pharmacist.
John.J
In reply to Chapel John.J:
Taking Ibrouprofen is safe in the short term, so long as you dont have asthma.
Ibrouprofen is one of a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti inflammatories, which are well used in the treatment of joint pain. The main associated problem with long term dosage is stomach ulcers, (this is lesened if you take them with food.)
always take according to the instructions on the packet, never more there is often a misconception because its over the counter its safe. However if is safe to take paracetamol with ibrouprofen as they are from a different group of drugs, but again stick to the recomended dosage.
make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, however i know this can be a pain! so i n the meantine i would suggest you go to the chemist and ask to speak to the pharmacist(not the girl on the checkout!). they are extensively trained, explain the situation and when your appointment is. they will be able to suggest the best thing to take in the meantime, this way it will be safe prompt and is more likely to be effective!
good luck joint pain is awful!
Taking Ibrouprofen is safe in the short term, so long as you dont have asthma.
Ibrouprofen is one of a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti inflammatories, which are well used in the treatment of joint pain. The main associated problem with long term dosage is stomach ulcers, (this is lesened if you take them with food.)
always take according to the instructions on the packet, never more there is often a misconception because its over the counter its safe. However if is safe to take paracetamol with ibrouprofen as they are from a different group of drugs, but again stick to the recomended dosage.
make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, however i know this can be a pain! so i n the meantine i would suggest you go to the chemist and ask to speak to the pharmacist(not the girl on the checkout!). they are extensively trained, explain the situation and when your appointment is. they will be able to suggest the best thing to take in the meantime, this way it will be safe prompt and is more likely to be effective!
good luck joint pain is awful!
In reply to TN: I took 400mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day for a fortnight on the advice of my physio while she went away on holiday(!) This was for tennis elbow. The quantity of each dose was recommended by the pharmacist, partly on the basis of body size (me being a 12.5 stone bloke) - if you are a lot more wee then you might be recommended a lower dose. I noticed no adverse side effects, but I did make sure that I took the tablets during or just after a meal because ibu is well known for having the potential to cause stomach problems. The ibuprofen was quite effective in controlling the tendonitis, but it came back quite quickly after I stopped taking the ibus on a regular basis.
I recently started having acupuncturefor the tennis elbow (suggested by the physio as a final option to try before going for surgery) and I'm rather amazed to report that it seems to be working...
I recently started having acupuncturefor the tennis elbow (suggested by the physio as a final option to try before going for surgery) and I'm rather amazed to report that it seems to be working...
In reply to TN: I live on the stuff these days, but I have n't had a solid dump for about 3 years. . .
In reply to PK: Just an aside having viewed your profile...Is it a very old photo or what's your elixir of youth; I could do with some.
In reply to TN: The basic idea with any medication is to take the minimum effective dose for the shortest time properly. Unfortunately everyone is different so there is no set way of determining the best dose for an individual other than the trial an error message. Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose on the packet, never take them if you have previously has stomach ulcers or reflux problems. ALWAYS take with food (the food helps dilute the acid released in the stomach to reduce the damage to the stomach lining). They are safe to take in the long term, but would be best taken with a proton pump inhibitor eg omeprizole (only available on prescription) to prevent damage to the stomach. Get an appointment to see the Dr ASAP as for the type of problem you are talking about it is likely that Diclofenac will be more effective.
In reply to Markyb:
Thanks - I'm going to try to get in first thing on Monday morning...
I haven't taken any since this morning and my hips not hurting/creaking at all now so I wonder if, while the painkillers were working, I have loosened it up sufficiently to have fixed it... Who knows, eh? I guess that's why doctors are doctors and I fix computers...
Thanks - I'm going to try to get in first thing on Monday morning...
I haven't taken any since this morning and my hips not hurting/creaking at all now so I wonder if, while the painkillers were working, I have loosened it up sufficiently to have fixed it... Who knows, eh? I guess that's why doctors are doctors and I fix computers...
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