Before taking ibuprofen

Before taking ibuprofen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are 65 years of age or older.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• If you have heart problems.
• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
• If you have blood in your stools.
• If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac and indometacin) or to any other medicine.

How to take ibuprofen

• Before starting ibuprofen, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take ibuprofen exactly as you have been told to. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much to take and when to take it. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack. If you are giving ibuprofen to your child, check the label carefully to make sure you are giving the correct dose for the age of your child.
• Taking ibuprofen with a glass of milk or after eating some food may help prevent side-effects such as indigestion.
• If you have been given a modified-release form of ibuprofen, swallow your tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not chew the capsules or tablets.
• If you have been given the sachets of ibuprofen granules, mix the contents of the sachet into a glass of water to make a fizzy drink, and drink immediately.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your doctor will try to prescribe you the lowest dose for the shortest time so that you do not suffer from side-effects. If you need to take ibuprofen for a long time, your doctor may want to prescribe another medicine along with it to protect your stomach from irritation.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with ibuprofen.

Can ibuprofen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• Any sign of bleeding in your stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
• Any shortness of breath, or swelling of your mouth or face.
• A severe skin rash.
• A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ibuprofen

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Brufen® tablets, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• Manufacturer’s PIL, Brufen® Retard, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• Manufacturer’s PIL, Brufen® Granules, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.