Could nurofen really cause this?

[MrsCookieCat]

Sister (45) has been having some bowel issues, bloating pain and increased going to the loo.

Our dad died of bowel cancer so obviously a little concerned. She’s waiting for a colonoscopy however the consultant has told her from the tests they’ve done he thinks it could be caused by her taking too much nurofen.

she’s had knee issues as she’s a runner. She’s taken 1 dose 3/4 times a week for about a year.

Im not sure if dr is just trying to reassure her as obviously she’s really worried or if nurofen could really have this effect?

Yes. Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories such as nurofen are very damaging to the gut and should not be taken long term unless prescribed and they should be taken with a particular medication (PPI) to protect the stomach. This is made very clear in the package leaflet.

Votarol gel and knee supports are a better option.

you can still get the GI side effects with topical NSAIDs.

Yes, it can really balls up your guts. I can’t take them anymore.

PPIs can also have horrid side effects.

Absolutely. I can’t tolerated nsaids at all even with omeprazole. If she does continue taking them she needs to discuss with dr and get prescribed something to protect her stomach.

Yes it’s a well known side effect.

Definitely! I've got a knee injury and i really have to limit the anti inflammatory that I can take because they play havoc on my guts.

You can but the risk is lower.
Similarly, PPI's have bad side effects but sometimes the benefit outweighs the risk.
I don't think there is a medication on the planet that doesn't carry risks and side effects.
That is why every single medication has a package leaflet.
Unfortunately many people don't read them.
Every day there are posts on here from people asking if certain meds cause this or that side effect. Well yes. It is written in the information leaflet.