Why Advil is Bad for You

Ibuprofen: A Common Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It is available over-the-counter in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid gels. While Advil can be an effective pain reliever, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, including both short-term and long-term risks.

Short-Term Side Effects of Advil

The most common short-term side effects of Advil include:

• Stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Skin rash

These side effects are typically mild and go away within a few days. However, if they are severe or persistent, you should stop taking Advil and talk to your doctor.

Long-Term Side Effects of Advil

Long-term use of Advil can increase your risk of several serious health problems, including:

• Heart attack and stroke: NSAIDs, including Advil, have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This risk is especially high in people who take high doses of NSAIDs for long periods of time.
• Kidney damage: NSAIDs can damage the kidneys, especially in people who already have kidney problems.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. This risk is especially high in people who take high doses of NSAIDs for long periods of time.
• High blood pressure: NSAIDs can raise blood pressure. This risk is especially high in people who already have high blood pressure.

Who Should Not Take Advil?

Advil is not recommended for people who have:

• A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• A history of asthma or other respiratory problems

Alternatives to Advil

If you are looking for a pain reliever, there are several alternatives to Advil that may be safer for you. These include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)
• Tramadol (Ultram)

Talk to your doctor about which pain reliever is right for you.

Conclusion

Advil can be an effective pain reliever, but it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. If you are considering taking Advil, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. There are several other pain relievers available that may be safer for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common short-term side effects of Advil?
The most common short-term side effects of Advil include stomach upset, heartburn, indigestion, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and skin rash.

2. What are the long-term side effects of Advil?
Long-term use of Advil can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and high blood pressure.

3. Who should not take Advil?
Advil is not recommended for people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney problems, liver problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or a history of asthma or other respiratory problems.

4. What are some alternatives to Advil?
Alternatives to Advil include acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), meloxicam (Mobic), and tramadol (Ultram).

5. When should I talk to my doctor about taking Advil?
You should talk to your doctor about taking Advil if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney problems, liver problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or a history of asthma or other respiratory problems.