The NHS has issued an urgent warning against mixing ibuprofen with a popular herbal supplement. The health service specifically warns against combining the common painkiller with gingko biloba due to a significantly increased risk of bleeding.
This dangerous interaction affects one of Britain's most widely used over-the-counter medications. Ibuprofen can be purchased from most UK supermarkets and chemists, with stronger versions requiring a prescription from a GP.
Safe medication combinations
Ibuprofen is perfectly safe to combine with paracetamol or codeine for enhanced pain relief. However, mixing it with other anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or naproxen requires medical consultation first.
All three medications belong to the same family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking them together increases the risk of stomach problems and other adverse effects.
The NHS advises taking ibuprofen with food, milk, or a snack to reduce stomach irritation. For temporary pain like dental discomfort or period cramps, one or two days of use is typically sufficient.
Recognising serious side effects
Common side effects affect approximately one in 100 people and include headaches, dizziness, nausea, wind, and indigestion. These symptoms are generally mild and manageable.
More serious warning signs require immediate medical attention. Black stools or blood in vomit indicate stomach bleeding, while swollen ankles or changes in urination suggest kidney problems.
Severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, or worsening asthma symptoms also warrant emergency care. Blurred vision, hallucinations, or severe headaches with neck stiffness are additional red flags.
Supplement safety concerns
Herbal remedies and supplements lack the rigorous testing standards applied to pharmacy and prescription medicines. This makes predicting interactions with medications like ibuprofen particularly challenging.
Children aged one to three months can only receive ibuprofen with a doctor's prescription. Some formulations are restricted to ages seven or twelve and above for safety reasons.
Suspected side effects can be reported through the Yellow Card safety scheme. Anyone experiencing adverse reactions should discontinue ibuprofen immediately and seek medical advice.
Sources used: "Daily Record", "Yorkshire Live", "Glasgow Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
