Ibuprofen is the generic name for an over-the-counter medication. Apo-Ibuprofen, one particular brand, has several effects to include pain relief, reduction of inflammation, fever reduction, inhibition of certain immune system functions, inhibition of part of the clotting cascade and prolongation of bleeding time. Ibuprofen treats acute or chronic pain--such as with arthritis--and reduces fever. Ibuprofen has many side effects; most prove mild but some can become serious.
Abdominal Discomforts
The National Institute of Health or NIH reports the most common adverse effects of ibuprofen are gastrointestinal or GI complaints with up to 16 percent of clinical trial participants experiencing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and heartburn. Less frequent GI complaints experienced in less than 1 percent of test subjects ranged from abdominal bloating, flatulence, decreased appetite and on occasion diarrhea or constipation. People taking ibuprofen can reduce adverse abdominal side effects by taking ibuprofen with food.
Occult Blood Loss
It proves common for ibuprofen to cause occult blood loss, which is blood loss from micro-bleeds in the GI tract. Ibuprofen irritates the lining of the stomach and the upper GI tract. The GI tissues become inflamed and ulcers form causing bleeding in the gut. Occult blood loss is noted when stool has a dark and tarry appearance. Billie Ann Wilson, Ph.D., Margaret Shannon, Ph.D., and Kelly Shields Pharm.D., authors of "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010," advise people to see a physician for symptoms of occult blood loss. Ibuprofen may sometimes also cause GI hemorrhage. The presence of bright red blood in the stool, or in the event of hematemesis--vomiting blood--which requires immediate medical attention.
Aplastic Anemia
Apo-ibuprofen like all drugs in its class has the potential to cause aplastic anemia, says the NIH. This condition is characterized by insufficient bone marrow production of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, pallor and shortness of breath. Aplastic anemia is a medical emergency.
Hepatotoxicity
Although rare, hepatotoxicity is life threatening. Toxicity of the liver causes nausea, vomiting, fatigue, yellow discoloration of the skin called jaundice, pain to the upper right side of the abdomen and joint pain. The NIH provides a black box warning to health care providers and the public to educate people taking ibuprofen of this potential adverse reaction.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that can occur as a reaction Apo-ibuprofen in certain people, says the NIH. A person who experiences rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, faintness and swelling to the face, lips, throat or hands needs immediate emergency medical care.
Long Term High Dose Effects
In some patients, especially those with a history of kidney disease, or those who overdose ibuprofen, acute kidney failure can occur, says the NIH. Symptoms include decreased or no urine output, itchy dry skin, fluid retention with generalized swelling and confusion. Another serious complications of long term and high dose ibuprofen is congestive heart failure. As with kidney failure, patients with a history of heart disease present a greater risk for this adverse Apo-Ibuprofen side effect.
References
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010"; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
- National Institute of Health DailyMed Sheets: "Ibuprofen"
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