Recent research has shown that ibuprofen may not be suitable in certain cases. Please consider the following information carefully.
Although ibuprofen is a readily available over-the-counter solution for pain relief, it only provides temporary relief and does not promote healing. Additionally, for specific groups of people, the risks associated with ibuprofen outweigh the benefits.
Liver and kidney problems
For instance, people with liver and kidney problems should avoid ibuprofen as it can cause damage to these vital organs. According to Dr. Joseph Maroon, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, ibuprofen can be toxic to the kidneys, resulting in analgesic nephropathy or kidney disease from excessive medication. This condition is more common in those over 45 years old with liver or kidney problems who should avoid ibuprofen.
People With Asthma
Did you know that asthma affects 1 in 13 Americans? It can cause inflammation in the airways, which leads to the production of excess mucus and breathing difficulties. If you have asthma, it’s best to avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. While ibuprofen can block inflammation pathways, it may also increase leukotrienes, which can cause bronchospasms and tighten the muscles lining your lungs’ airways.
Hypertension or heart failure
According to a review article published in Drug Safety, studies have shown that ibuprofen and NSAIDs like naproxen can increase blood pressure. Two meta-analyses discovered that NSAID use can cause a significant 5 mmHg increase in mean blood pressure, particularly in hypertensive patients. Additionally, NSAID users were found to have a 1.7 times higher risk of needing antihypertensives than non-users, and there was a 40 percent increased risk of hypertension diagnosis associated with NSAID use. Furthermore, ibuprofen has been found to reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
Pregnant women
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding NSAIDs after 20 weeks. This is because these medications could potentially lead to low levels of amniotic fluid. Additionally, recent research has suggested that NSAIDs like ibuprofen may carry a risk for the baby during early pregnancy. We understand that this news may be concerning, but we hope that by being informed, you can make the best choices for yourself and your little one.
Stroke history
Experiencing nerve pain after a stroke is a frequent occurrence. However, it is not advisable to use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to alleviate the pain as per Dr. Maroon’s recommendation. A recent analysis of 15 studies has confirmed that the use of NSAIDs leads to a considerable rise in the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Experts believe that the increased risk is due to NSAIDs affecting vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, and sodium excretion, which worsens blood pressure.
