Help-Didn’t know you couldn’t use ibuprofen

[9vrycld]

I have just given my son one measure (5mls) of nurofen for his slight fever we think he has just developed chickenpox today as he has a few spots all over his body. He is 3.5 years old, I had absolutely no idea you couldn’t give it to them and only realised after when I was Googling things to help him feel better. I’m now freaking out and feel awful. Can anyone offer advice? Should I be seriously worried?

I also gave my daughter ibuprofen when she had a fever before the chicken pox spots came out, so we didn’t know it was chicken pox. Understandably I was very anxious when I realised it was chicken pox, like you are now. From everything I read, it’s a very rare effect (Stephen Johnson Syndrome) and most children will be ok. Obviously you won’t use it anymore now you know your little one has chicken pox. Google what to look for, keep telling yourself that you made an honest mistake and the most likely scenario is that he will recover normally. Wishing you luck and I’m sure others will have similar stories soon x

It's done.
Don't give him any more.
Keep an eye on his skin, but the chances are they will be fine.

Isn't there neurofen for children? I'm about 15 years out of date since leaving my pharmacy assistant job but I remember there being an ibuprofen version if calpol back then.

Oh wait. Ignore me. Just realised the chickenpox with neurofen was the problem. That being said, I don't recall it being contraindicated back then.

So, we gave our then 2 year old ibuprofen for a fever before we knew she had chicken pox, and she developed a secondary skin infection (just looked like a raised bumpy rash on her tummy, nothing like the necrotising or blistering you read about on Google). We took her to hospital, mostly because her temperature wasn't coming down, they kept her in overnight to give her IV fluids and antibiotics, and she made a quick and full recovery. I hope this doesn't scare you but gives you a bit of reassurance. If you're in any doubt, call nhs24 for advice.

@TwistofFate Did you just give her one dose of nurofen? How long did it take after the ibuprofen before she got an infection? Thanks for the comment it is actually reassuring. I will keep a close eye.

I honestly don't know why this isn't on the box! Hope your sons okay I'm sure one dose is fine, you won't be the first.., or last!

@dwightschrutebeets it does actually say to consult a doctor before giving if they have chicken pox on the box :( I just never noticed it at all. I never thought something used to routinely for child illnesses could be dangerous in this way. And yes, I’m sure you’re right. Thanks for the reassurance

This was over a year ago so I'm a little fuzzy on the specifics, we gave her one dose of ibuprofen in the morning before we knew it was chicken pox so it was somewhere between 12 and 24 hours later. The main reason we called nhs24 was because she'd had a fever for 48 hours that wasn't coming down, and I think the nurse was concerned fever + rash could be meningitis.

I hope your DS is OK.

5mls - Don't worry about it

Just don't give any more.

@TwistofFate thanks for all the info. Very glad your little one recovered ❤️