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he NHS has warned people who take the common medication, ibuprofen, that they should 'check the packet' first. The health service has listed eight groups of people who should avoid taking it, as it could cause a number of issues. Ibuprofen is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (swelling). Whilst it can be purchased over the counter from shops and pharmacies, some stronger types are available with a prescription. The NHS noted that the medication also has other brand names, including Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel and Ibuleve. In addition to listing who can and cannot take it, it also warned that there are side effects that could exacerbate the symptoms you're trying to alleviate. For example, one side effect is stomach aches, yet you could be taking it to help ease that pain. Ibuprofen is a type of painkiller called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often called an NSAID that can help with several issues. This includes: But ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. The NHS cautioned that it may not be suitable if: The NHS warned: "Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it." It added: "Ibuprofen can cause more side effects than paracetamol. If you can take paracetamol, it's a good idea to try it before taking ibuprofen." There are several different types of ibuprofen, including: Common side effects of ibuprofen tablets, capsules, liquid and granules include: Possible serious side effects of Ibuprofen include: The health service said: "You're less likely to get side effects from ibuprofen gel or spray. Ibuprofen will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until the dizziness stops." You should never take ibuprofen tablets and capsules for more than 10 days unless advised to by a doctor, the NHS has warned. It asked people: "See a GP if your pain gets worse or does not go away." For more information on the medication and all of its side effects, including how much to take and how to take it, you can view the NHS website here .
