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Motrin, Midol, Advil and Adapt - These are all the brand names of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory ibuprofen (NSAIDs), and many of us keep a bottle or two of this medicationIn the bathroom cabinet In case of headache, cramps or other minor discomforts. In addition to the over -the -counter version (OTC) which can be entered from the shelf, the prescription ibuprofen was also the38th most prescribed drug In the United States, in 2020, many of us take it. But just because it is popular and easy to get, does it mean that it is sure to take every day? We asked a doctor. Read the rest to see what could happen to your body if you take this medication every day for a month or more.

Read this then:I am a pharmacist, and this is the medication I always have had patients.

Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, medical director and emergency doctor for emergency care in Carbon Health and Saint Mary Hospital, shared withBetter life"As an urgent doctor in terms of family care and medicine, I often recommend a short duration of ibuprofen to my patients as this can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, headache and / or body pain . However, taking the drug for prolonged time can be prolonged leads you to develop serious complications. "One of them is tinnitus, orring in the ear. Curry-Winchell says that tinnitus can be caused "ibuprofen reducing the amount of blood flowing towards the inner ear".

Reema Hammoud, Pharmd and AVP of clinical pharmacy atSedgwick, explains that even the over-the-counter versions of ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal problems "such as stomach bleeding or ulcers". Ibuprofen is a factor known in the development of open wounds inside your stomach, called peptic ulcers.

Curry-Winchell also notes the potential for stomach pain due to the long-term use of ibuprofen. "Ibuprofen interferes with the capacity of the stomach to digest food, causing damage to the mucosa of your stomach," she said. "This can cause symptoms such as nausea, stomach burns, constant belching and stomach cramps."

AccordingGoodrx Health, Other potential gastrointestinal side effects of ibuprofen include constipation and diarrhea. "[The longer you take ibuprofen, the greater your risk to develop serious gastrointestinal side effects," say their experts.

"Yes, [ibuprofen] can have an impact on your breathing," explains Curry-Winchell, "by reducing the air flow in your respiratory system, especially if you have a condition such as asthma."

Your liver plays a key role in the metabolization of ibuprofen in your body, and some studies have shown a small elevation of liver enzymes (which may indicate inflammation or damage) in people who frequently take ibuprofen. Although hepatic toxicity due to ibuprofen is not common, according to Hammoud, "for people at risk of liver disease, monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary".

Read this then:I am a pharmacist, and this is the medication I always have had patients.

According to Curry-Winchell, the chronic use of ibuprofen reduces the amount of blood that is delivered to the kidneys. "Less blood flow causes kidney damage and, ultimately, long -term kidney disease." Hammoud also details: "NSAIDs are mainly excreted through the kidneys, so kidney toxicity is the main concern" with regard to ibuprofen.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

TheNational renal foundation is clear: long-term use of pain relievers (certain pain drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen "can cause a chronic kidney disease known as chronic interstitial nephrite". If you check the warning labels on the over -the -counter ibuprofen, it should tell you not to use the drug more than 10 days for pain (or three days for a fever). This is particularly true for anyone withdecrease in kidney function.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but ibuprofen can really give you a headache, even if it is commonly used to help the headache to disappear. The "rebound headaches" or "overculying headaches" are rare, but can be triggered if you take ibuprofen (or other pain relievers) for too many days in a row, according to theMayo clinic.

Fortunately, there are good news: "The headache of the overlying of drugs generally stop when you stop taking pain relievers," write their experts. "It's difficult in the short term, but your doctor can help you beat medicines on the use of headaches for long -term relief."

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"Long-term use and higher quantities of ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to your organs," said Curry-Winchell. "This can lead to high blood pressure by placing additional stress on the heart and increasing your risks for a heart attack."

Experts at the University of California San Francisco HealthDescribe the risk Like this: "Ibuprofen ... can cause a marked worsening of existing hypertension (blood pressure) or the development of new high blood pressure. This can also cause ... A worsening of heart failure, and even a crisis heart or stroke. " They also emphasize that ibuprofen has "a black box warning from the FDA which warns against potentially fatal" cardiovascular events.

"Ibuprofen is an excellent drug when used in the right way," says Curry-Winchell. "The medication can help reduce, and sometimes prevent, pain and swelling associated with surgery, and help treat injuries such as sudden back pain when you wake up or inability to stand up after Lean clumsyly. "

However, for all the reasons listed, it is not ideal for your health to use ibuprofen for 30 days in a row to treat the same pain. Hammoud explains: "The chronic use of most drugs is not ideal. The idea is always that the treatment is the lowest dose of a drug taken for the shortest possible duration."

When long -term drugs are needed, the best action plan is to move forward under the direction of your health care provider. "The use [long] speech by a prescription NSAID is correct until the patient is monitored," explains Hammoud, explaining that often those who must take NSAIDs for a prolonged period can receive aproton pump inhibitor Like Prevacid or Prilosec, "who coat the stomach and help reduce side effects".

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.