Although ibuprofen is available over the counter, prescription ibuprofen can be prescribed to treat more serious condition. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is used to treat pain and inflammation. Specifically, prescription ibuprofen is used to treat severe arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, menstrual cramps or minor injury, according to Drugs.com. A patient taking prescription-strength ibuprofen should be aware of the possible side effects associated with this medication.
Stomach Bleeding
According to the Mayo Clinic, stomach bleeding is the most concerning side effect for prescription-strength ibuprofen. Ibuprofen reduces the substances in the stomach and digestive tract that protect the lining of the stomach from acid. Without this protective lining, stomach acid can damage tissue and cause bleeding. A patient should stop taking ibuprofen and seek immediate medical treatment if he experiences bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or bloody or tarry stools. This side effect should not be ignored because untreated internal bleeding can result in death.
Jaundice
Jaundice, or the yellowing of the eyes or skin, is a serious side effect of prescription ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is metabolized, or broken down, in the liver, and the drug may cause liver damage in certain patients. Liver damage causes yellowing of the eyes and skin because it is not able to clean out waste from the body's circulation. These symptoms are signs of liver weakness or damage. A patient who is experiencing jaundice should stop taking ibuprofen immediately and seek medical attention. The doctor likely will avoid prescribing other NSAIDs that may cause the same problem.
Chest Pain
Ibuprofen may cause chest pain. This occurs because ibuprofen can affect the blood vessels around the heart. A patient experiencing chest pain should seek emergency medical treatment. Chest pain may be a symptom associated with ibuprofen, or it could be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack. If ibuprofen is the cause, the doctor likely will prescribe a different medication from a different drug class to treat symptoms.
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