A health expert has issued a warning about the potential dangers of frequent painkiller use, stressing that many people are unaware of the risks involved, reports The Mirror.
The doctor specifically cautioned against the regular consumption of ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in Ireland under brands such as Nurofen, Calprofen, and Ibuleve.
Ibuprofen works by blocking hormones responsible for pain and inflammation, making it effective for treating conditions like back pain, period pain, dental pain, and symptoms of colds, flu, or COVID-19. However, it is crucial to follow the correct dosage and usage guidelines to prevent harmful side effects, reports The Mirror.
Taking to TikTok, Dr. Sermed Mezher shared his medical insight on what he would “never do” as a doctor, particularly highlighting the risks of prolonged use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
“First is taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories every day over a long period of time because people don’t realise that it can actually wear away at your stomach lining and even lead to ulcers,” he told his followers, reports The Mirror.
According to The Mirror, Dr. Mezher’s warning also applies to other NSAIDs, including Aspirin, Naproxen, and Diclofenac.
The NHS also cautions about the risks associated with ibuprofen and similar medications, stating: “Many people take NSAIDs without having any side effects.”
However, the warning continues with a more serious note: “But there’s always a risk the medication could cause problems, such as stomach ulcers, particularly if taken for a long time or at high doses. You may be advised not to take NSAIDs if you currently have or have had a stomach ulcer,” reports The Mirror.
Due to ibuprofen’s potential effects on the stomach lining, the HSE advises taking it with food, whether that be a full meal, a light snack, or a glass of milk.
The health service also stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical help if symptoms such as black stools or blood in vomit appear, as these could indicate serious internal bleeding, reports The Mirror.
In such cases, individuals should stop taking ibuprofen immediately and consult a doctor or call 111.
Other concerning signs include symptoms of kidney issues, such as swollen ankles, blood in urine, or difficulty urinating, which require urgent medical attention. Severe chest or stomach pain could suggest a tear in the stomach or gut wall, in which case calling 999 or going straight to A&E is advised, reports The Mirror.
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