The NHS has warned against taking a commonly used painkiller if you experience three symptoms. If you’ve ever noticed any of these side effects, you should consider finding an alternative medication.

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It is often recommended for maladies such as back pain, toothache, period pain, and sprains.

Most adults and young people aged 17 and over can take ibuprofen. However, for some people, it can be dangerous.

The NHS warns that you must not take ibuprofen by mouth or apply it to your skin if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking the drug:

You should also not take ibuprofen if you’ve had those symptoms after taking other NSAIDs such as naproxen or aspirin. Pregnant women should also not take ibuprofen – unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.

To make sure ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid is safe for you, the NHS says you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

On top of this, if you’re over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. “Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you’re taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition,” the NHS says.

Ibuprofen also does not mix well with some medicines. Therefore, you should tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medicines before you start taking any type of ibuprofen:

But it is safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine, the NHS says. For those who take herbal supplements regularly, it’s important to note that it’s best not to take gingko biloba with ibuprofen as it can increase the chance of bleeding.

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