Ibuprofen use

[DayToTry]

I recently quit taking Vicodin for my joint pain because I was concerned about liver damage.  I have been taking Ibuprofen instead.  I've been taking two in the morning and then two in the afternoon.  It says don't take longer than 10 days though.  I have to take something though.  My knees and wrists and fingers hurt too much if I don't.  

I know you guys aren't Drs but experience counts for something if its what your Dr has told you.  What do you guys take?  Is Ibuprofen the best over the counter thing to take?  Is it "safe enough" ?

[carolanivey]

Glad I could help. :)

Yeah, combining meds can be tricky, especially with NSAIDs. Could lead to stomach trouble, blood thinning/bleeding issues, etc.

There are some sites online that let you enter all your meds and supplements, vitamins, etc. to check for interactions. It's worth googling. :)

[DayToTry]

Thanks for answering Carolan.  Actually I really hadn't thought it was a problem to take Ibuprofen in the morning and then Naproxen in the evening (which says NSAID) on the bottle (over the counter).  

Hmmm I 'm glad you mentioned that.  I'm going to look that up but I'll stick to only one kind a day.

[carolanivey]

Anything you ingest by mouth is eventually going to go through your liver. From what I've read, ibuprofen isn't as hard on the liver as tylenol (acetomenaphen or paracetamol), but still be careful to take no more than what the label says, and tell your doctor you're taking it. If it works, your doctor may direct you to take more than what's on the label, but again, follow instructions, dosage and timing carefully. Stay away from the "extra strength" formulas.

I'm sure you know this, but don't combine it with other over the counter or prescription NSAIDs and painkillers, which often combine and opiate and tylenol.

If you're unsure about anything related to Rx or otc meds, your pharmacist is your best resource for advice.

Cheers,
Carolan