Like all medicines, Ibuprofen can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects may be minimised by taking the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve the symptoms. You may suffer one of the known side effects of NSAIDs (see below). If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Chest pain, which can be a sign of a potentially serious allergic reaction called Kounis syndrome
reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes.
These serious skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms [exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis].
Widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome).
A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever. The symptoms usually appear at the initiation of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis).
Signs of intestinal bleeding such as: bright red faeces (stools/motions), black tarry stools, vomiting blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds.
Signs or serious allergic reaction such as:
- difficulties in breathing or unexplained wheezing
- dizziness or faster heartbeat
- severe forms of skin reactions such as itchiness, skin rash with redness, peeling, flaking or blistering (e.g.: Steven-Johnson syndrome)
- swelling of your face, tongue or throat
Signs of kidney problems such as:
- passing less or more urine.
- cloudy urine or blood in urine.
- pain in the back and/or swelling (particularly in the legs).
Ibuprofen, especially when taken at higher than recommended doses or for a prolonged period of time, can cause damage to your kidneys and affect them removing acids properly from your blood into the urine (renal tubular acidosis). It can also cause very low levels of potassium in your blood (see section 2). This is a very serious condition and will require immediate treatment. Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness and light-headedness.
Signs of aseptic meningitis with neck stiffness, headache, feeling sick, being sick, fever or loss of consciousness. Patients with autoimmune disorders (lupus, mixed connective-tissue disease) may be more likely to be affected.
A severe skin reaction known as DRESS syndrome can occur.
Symptoms of DRESS include: skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and an increase of eosinophils (a type of white blood cells).
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
- allergic reactions, such as skin rashes (urticaria), itching, peeling
- headaches
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:
- flatulence (wind), diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting
Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people:
- blood disorder resulting in unexplained or unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms and severe exhaustion
- drop in blood pressure or irregular heart beat
- stomach or intestinal ulcers, sometimes with bleeding and perforation, inflammation of the lining of the mouth with ulceration (ulcerative stomatitis), inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- liver problems
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from available data:
- worsening of asthma or bronchospasm
- swelling (oedema), high blood pressure, heart failure or attack
- worsening of colitis and Crohn's disease
- A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters mainly localized on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities accompanied by fever at the initiation of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis). Stop using Ibuprofen if you develop these symptoms and seek medical attention immediately. See also section 2.
- skin becomes sensitive to light
Medicines such as Ibuprofen Tablets may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack ("myocardial infarction") or stroke. See Section 2 'Other warnings'.