i know this may be gross but i had knee surgery last october and anytime is going to rain or the weather changes i get bad knee pains at night, instead of taking something real strong i just take 3-4 IB (3-4 is the same dose as if a doc was to give me something) before i go to bed, ive noticed since ive been taking it ive had a bloody stool. I think that happened before and i stopped taking it, but is it normal? and should i worry?
2006-08-29 02:32:35 · 4 answers · asked by sassy2sloppy 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Your question is actually a number of questions and some misconceptions thrown in also. I am a pharmacist so perhaps my views should carry a bit more weight than some of the other answers you've received.
Can ibuprofen cause bloody stools? Yes. Not only can it cause stomach ulcers, but damage along your entire GI tract. If you have bloody stools you MUST stop immediately and see your doctor now. That should answer you question about whether you should worry I suppose. I'm worried. The latest figures suggest about 10 to 15 thousand people die every year from misuse and overuse of OTC pain relievers. You seem to think that ibuprofen isn't 'strong'. Well obviously it is if you are experiencing this level of side effects. You might also be damaging your kidneys. If you are still having pain this far out from your surgery, it is time to visit a pain management physician. There is a entire range of treatment options including exercises, physical therapy, and drugs too.
I think for right now you should be switched to opiates until you can get an integrated treatment plan.
2006-08-29 05:53:51 · answer #1 · answered by jloertscher 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking ibuprofen and call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools."
Seriously, please go see a doctor as soon as you can. You may have an ulcer or bleeding in your intestines and that is very dangerous.
2006-08-29 02:40:14 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibuprofen can cause bleeding or ulcers in the stomach or intestine, which can lead to bloody stools.
Before continuing with the medication, you may want to contact your doctor -- even if you're using the over-the-counter variety.
2006-08-29 02:42:41 · answer #3 · answered by johntadams3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibuprofen can cause a lot of damage to a body. It can harm your kidneys and cause stomach ulcers. Stop taking it. Go to your doctor. Take aleve this is less harmful to your body.
2006-08-29 02:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by sabbycat76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋