What Taking Ibuprofen Every Day Does to Your Body
Ibuprofen first became available over the counter in 1984, and it's developed a reputation as aspirin's gentler, safer younger sibling. That said, like most medications, ibuprofen can have side effects. "Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is used for both pain control and fever control," says Kenneth Perry, MD, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina. "Although if taken appropriately ibuprofen is safe, chronic use can cause some long-standing health issues." Read on to see what taking ibuprofen every day can do to your body. (And remember it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about all medications you take regularly.)
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting prostaglandins, natural chemicals that "turn on" pain and inflammation in the body. Ibuprofen has been rated the safest NSAID in terms of spontaneous drug reactions, and it may be easier for some people to take than aspirin, as it requires a lower dose to work and is less likely to cause side effects like stomach irritation.
Ironically, the first medication many of us turn to for a headache can cause headaches if it's used too often. "Use of pain medications such as ibuprofen routinely to treat headaches can cause rebound headaches when the medications are discontinued," says Poston.
"Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme involved in the platelet aggregation pathway, which is important in controlling bleeding and hemostasis," says Monisha Bhanote, MD. "Daily long-term use of ibuprofen may increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding."