Taking ibuprofen occasionally.

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So for years I’ve been taking ibuprofen for headaches, sore throats, fever, flu like symptoms, toothache (have problems with my wisdom teeth 1-2 time’s a year) but only when needed of course. This means I can go weeks and months without taking a single ibuprofen or paracetamol tablet. Yet when I get ill I may take them at regular intervals for a week or similar. I find them much more effective than paracetamol.

Over the last week or so I’ve been suffering with problems with my wisdom teeth. the tooth itself is not too bad it’s the headaches, jaw ache and sore throat that goes with it. I find ibuprofen quite effective. I have a check up very soon so I’ll hang on to see the dentist until then.

I have major health anxiety and recently a family member told me I shouldn’t take ibuprofen at all because it’s bad for you!! But surely it wouldn’t be so readily available if that was the case?

I’m in my twenties, have had mild hyper tension in the past but it’s under control without medication. My bp is fine right now. I’m taking the low dose ibuprofen at correct intervals.

Like I said before, I go weeks and months without taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. I’m generally pretty healthy but will take if needed.

This has put massive fear of taking it into
Me. So much so I’m just taking paracetamol which really isn’t touching the headaches my teeth are causing!

Is ibuprofen really that bad?? Surely not?

Just want some reassurance!

go to the dentist!

I don't believe in being a martyr and suffering for no reason, there's a reason why painkillers exist, but taking them instead of fixing the problem is not healthy.

By the time you typed that you could have googled ibuprofen use or even asked your local pharmacist.

You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together.

IIRC the thing with ibuprofen is that with regular (by that I mean prolonged periods of maximum dosage) use it can affect the lining in your stomach so it's important to not take it on an empty stomach.

Crack on I say

Once a month, every month, I take ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for 4 days straight.

No idea on the health implications, is the family member in the medical or pharmaceutical industry?

A lot of ibruofen over a long period of time can cause issues with your stomach e.g. ulcers etc.

This doesnt sound like a risk here if you dont use them very often or for long periods of time. A pharmacist could provide further medical info - I'm not medically trained

You shouldn't take ibuprofen on an empty stomach or it can cause stomach ulcers/other stomach issues. Paracetamol has a long list of side effects too. Take them at the intervals and dosage advised and you should be fine

My friend has to take it every day because she has a chronic health condition. Sometimes it’s necessary and the pro’s outweigh the con’s. You’ll be fine.

Thank you. I am aware that you shouldn’t take on an empty stomach.

I have a dentist check up in the next couple
Weeks anyway but it’s pointless anyway. Dentist won’t take mine out. I need to be referred to the hospital for it and the wait is months or years long!

It's fine in small quantities, if you take it regularly for prolonged periods then it isn't good for the digestive system.