What Are the Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen Use?

Ibuprofen is both versatile and available in over-the-counter forms, making it one of the most commonly used medications in multiple countries. This medication can treat pain of various levels and reduce inflammation. It is often sold in generic forms and available in most drugstores without a prescription from a health professional. On the downside, ibuprofen use is associated with some severe side effects, and long-term use can be harmful to a person’s organs. In some cases, the use of ibuprofen can be fatal, especially if the user does not know signs of severe side effects or of kidney failure.

This medication is used to temporarily relieve many kinds of pains, from menstrual cramps to migraine headaches. In addition, another recommended ibuprofen use is treating various kinds of arthritis and other inflammatory problems. Ibuprofen is sometimes included in other medications to relieve symptoms of the common cold or other illnesses that require multiple approaches. The medication can be given to children as young as four years old with a doctor’s approval.

Ibuprofen is available over the counter in most developed countries. This means that ibuprofen use can be cheaper than prescription medications, which require a doctor visit. Furthermore, even beyond the possible savings enabled by not having to pay for extra doctor visits, the medication itself is often cheaper to purchase than prescription medications.

Like most medications, ibuprofen has side effects, some of which can be severe or life threatening. For example, some people experience difficulty breathing, severe swelling of body parts, or unexplained aggression. It is important to call emergency services if a person experiences blueness of the lips, fast eye movements that he or she cannot control, or dizziness. Such side effects are considered severe and can result in death if not attended to by a medical professional. In addition, even some of the mild side effects can be very uncomfortable, such as constipation, ringing in the ears, and gas or bloating.

Long-term ibuprofen use is associated with kidney injury, sometimes leading to kidney failure. People who already have failing kidneys should not use ibuprofen. Gastrointestinal bleeding is another risk of taking ibuprofen for extended periods of time. It is very important to keep in contact with a health professional when a person believes taking ibuprofen for a long time is necessary. A doctor can assess the situation and determine if there is a safer medication to consume.