Doctors Warn Before Taking Ibuprofen, Know These 4 Conditions

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to consume ibuprofen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although sold freely, ibuprofen is still a drug and can be very dangerous if consumed incorrectly.

Ibuprofen is a drug which is usually used to treat fever and pain. However, there are some things to consider before you consume it.

“People don’t think of over-the-counter drugs as drugs at all,” says internist Janet Morgan, MD.

Here are five things your doctor will want you to know before taking Ibuprofen.

1. Ibuprofen is a Blood Thinner

Doctors warn people taking blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots should avoid NSAIDs.

“These medications, which are available over the counter and are commonly used to relieve the aches and pains we all experience, are also blood thinners,” says cardiologist Stephen G. Ellis, MD.

According to him, people who combine it with prescription blood thinners, can experience serious bleeding.

2. Kidney injury

Athletes who regularly use NSAIDs increase the risk of serious kidney injury, research shows.

“If you take NSAIDs regularly, you should have regular blood monitoring, including kidney function measurements,” says Robert H. Shmerling, MD.

And if you have significant kidney disease, you should probably avoid non-aspirin NSAIDs altogether. Ask your doctor if you are welcome to take NSAIDs.

“They can be very helpful, and many of the side effects can be avoided with the right precautions,” he says

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