Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that is commonly used to treat conditions that commonly cause pain and inflammation. Different brands of ibuprofen are available over-the-counter (OTC) and include Advil, Motrin and Midol. In addition, a doctor may prescribe stronger forms of ibuprofen. This medication is effective in treating pain and inflammation because is alters chemical signals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Although useful, serious side effects are associated with long-term ibuprofen use.
Stomach Bleeding
Long-term use of ibuprofen may cause stomach bleeding in certain patients, states Drugs.com. A patient taking ibuprofen may experience stomach bleeding because this medication reduces chemical signals in the stomach that are responsible for the protective lining in the inner stomach that protects it from stomach acid. As these chemical signals are further reduced, the stomach suffers more damage, which can result in stomach bleeding. A patient with this complication will notice that he is vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds or coughing up blood. In addition, he may notice bloody or dark, tarry stools. In this case, a patient with these serious signs of stomach bleeding should seek immediate medical attention. Left untreated, serious internal bleeding can occur that can lead to death.
Chest Pain
A patient taking long-term ibuprofen may experience chest pain, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because ibuprofen affects blood vessels in the heart. Specifically, ibuprofen shrinks blood vessels in the heart that supply oxygen and nutrients to heart tissue. As blood vessels shrink, the heart muscle can be damaged if oxygen and nutrients provided do not meet the heart's demands. This results in intense chest pain that may radiate into the jaw or the left arm. In this case, a patient should immediately stop taking ibuprofen and seek immediate medical treatment. Chest pain may be the result of taking ibuprofen; however, it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a heart attack. Thus, a patient should not hesitate to receive treatment.
Severe Headache
Drugs.com states that a patient taking ibuprofen may experience a severe headache. This may occur because ibuprofen alters chemical signals in the brain that may cause blood vessels in the brain to shrink. Narrowing of blood vessels in the brain deprives the brain of necessary oxygen and nutrients and may cause a patient to have a severe headache. If this occurs, a patient should immediately stop taking ibuprofen and seek immediate medical treatment.
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