Five serious health problems are more likely to occur with continued use of ibuprofen, a physician has detailed.

One individual experienced serious repercussions from consuming a shocking 1,176 ibuprofen tablets over the course of a single month—a staggeringly high figure.

Ibuprofen is a medication that is taken by many people; its usage level is comparable to that of paracetamol. Yet, even though ibuprofen is available without a prescription, it is still a drug that can be dangerous, especially when taken in large doses or for long periods. And when it comes to side effects, ibuprofen can hold its own. The risks associated with ibuprofen are well known.

Differences Between Ibuprofen and Paracetamol

It is essential to remember that ibuprofen is not identical to paracetamol. Paracetamol reduces pain by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, while ibuprofen, with its anti-inflammatory qualities, targets the pain’s source directly.

Increased risk of severe health conditions from prolonged exposure to the drug, says one doctor.

Countless individuals rely on the two medicines to control their persistent agony. According to Dr. Gerard Sinovich, a Lead Pain Consultant at the medical cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, believes not a lot of people understand the risks that come with combining these meds.

Dr. Sinovich points out that, Conditions like back pain and injuries, such as sprains and strains, are commonly treated with prescriptions for ibuprofen. Typical dosing for adults is 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours, with 1,200 mg as the upper daily limit. Anything above that is generally not advised. And for good reason; long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to some pretty nasty health problems. He says The UK is on the cusp of a pain epidemic, with the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition projecting that an additional 1.9 million of them will experience chronic pain by 2040. Thereore he explains it’s worth our while to consider the prolonged use of common painkillers.

Considering this, Dr. Sinovich cautions about five grave health outcomes that can arise from consistent, extended use of ibuprofen.

1. Heart Failure

Using ibuprofen for a long time may up your chances of having heart failure.

2. Severe Stomach Inflammation

Dr. Sinovich emphasizes that the usual side effects of ibuprofen, even when taken as advised, are indigestion and heartburn. Yet, taking too much can lead to terrible stomach pain, ulcers, and serious bleeding in the digestive tract.

He advises that individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding should avoid ibuprofen entirely because these events are two to four times more likely to happen with using NSAIDs, and the risk increases with dosage.

3. Kidney Failure

You might overdose on ibuprofen. And your kidneys might pay the price, warns Dr. Sinovich. He says in most cases, healthcare providers can reverse the damage caused to the kidney by ibuprofen,but why flip a coin with your health?

Indications of kidney failure comprise the swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or hands; and rapid alterations in the act of urination, such as a higher number of calls to the loo or an unexpected drop in output.

4. Chronic Pain Development

Research suggests that even short-term ibuprofen use might raise the odds of winding up with chronic pain. This is not something most people would think about when popping a couple of pills to alleviate discomfort. He says our just ask and take model of medicine conditions us to believe that a pill can fix our pain without consequence.

He  explains, “The inflammation that results from an injury or infection is a natural part of the body’s healing process. Though anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are often used to treat pain, they can have the unintended effect of turning acute pain into chronic pain.”

5. Liver Failure

Dr. Sinovich warns that ibuprofen can elevate levels of aminotransferase enzymes (ALT). These are enzymes that are released when liver cells are damaged. The elevation of these enzymes can result in liver damage or disease.

He explains, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen work by reducing prostaglandin production, which is facilitated by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme in the kidneys. This process, however, can elevate blood pressure and fluid levels, increasing the risks of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and hypertension.

Investigations have demonstrated that the use of NSAIDs can amplify, by double, the chance of being hospitalized for heart failure. They can also increase systolic blood pressure by 2 to 3 mmHg on average. Because of these proven side effects, it is advised that people not take ibuprofen along with anything that could harm the liver… alcohol is the most common substance that fits into that category.

Individuals can make informed decisions about their ibuprofen use when they understand these risks. They can also explore safer alternative methods of pain management.