Nurofen Side Effects
Nurofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever. A brand name for ibuprofen, Nurofen is available in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Most people who use it do not experience any side effects.
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Function
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Nurofen blocks the action of the chemical cyclooxygenase (COX) in the body. This chemical is involved in producing prostaglandins, which cause pain, swelling, inflammation and fever in response to injury and disease.
Gastrointestinal Effects
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The most common Nurofen side effects are gastrointestinal, including upset stomach, stomach pain and nausea. Rarely, Nurofen leads to stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding.
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Other Serious Effects
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Blistering or peeling skin rashes that can become life-threatening are a are Nurofen side effect. Additionally, continuous use of Nurofen is linked to a small increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke, and this risk becomes greater the longer Nurofen is used. A study conducted by Oxford University and published in the British Medical Journal in 2006 found that three people in every 1,000 ibuprofen users experience an adverse cardiovascular event.
Drug Interactions
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Patients taking certain other medications may not be able to safely take Nurofen, as it can increase or decrease the effects of these anticoagulants, anti-platelet medicines, corticosteroids, lithium, diuretics and some medications to treat depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Prevention
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Mild gastrointestinal effects can be avoided by taking Nurofen with food or milk. More serious side effects can be avoided by taking as low a dose as appropriate for as short a time as possible. Elderly people are more susceptible to serious Nurofen side effects.
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