is it safe to take ibuprofen if you are over 50, what with the recent scare about them?

Answer 1

I am over fifty and I wouldnt take them, there must be alternatives on the market.

Answer 2

Well first things first, no one here is going to be able to really say for sure if you can or cannot take Ibuprofen. This must come from your Doctor. Although, if you want to know more about the recent scares this I can inform you of. The news shows that experts are finding more ovedosage within people who take Ibuprofen. It is also said that if when taking Ibuprofen, you follow directions and do preciseley what the instructions tell you to then you should be fine. However Ibuprofen does put anyone who takes this medication at a greater risk of having kidney failure. Anyone who has heart problems should not take it since mostly anyone wo have problems with their heart are usually instructed to take aspirin daily. But a certain kind though, my mom has to take it but I can't remember which one. I believe it is ecotrin low dosage once daily, and bayer if experiencing a heart attack. If you mix the aspirin ith the ibuprofen after two hours of taking the ibuprofen it stops the whole cycle of what the aspirin is meant to do. Another reason not to take ibuprofen is, if you are currently taking any medications which include non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapies; commonly known as N.S.A.I.D's. Since ibuprofen is classified as N.S.A.I.Ds you cannot mix one with the other. When combining the two together you are most likely to start a problem, it eventually begins to effect the way the platelets work, once this starts to happen it isn't long before it interferes with normal blood clotting. There are several drugs known to be the same as ibuprofen, motrin and advil are a couple of them. If you talk to your Doctor I am sure he can better tell you about what your options are to taking these medications. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Safe is a relative term. With every medication there are obviously risks and benefits. A balance of these two has to be sought. The recent "scare" (I would say research) is related to the cardio-vascular risks of all NSAIDs rather than the well documented side effects on the "stomach" and blood clotting.
The research would indicate that for patients WITH other cardiovascular risk factors ibuprofen MAY not be the most appropriate choice of NSAIDs. If you have no risk factors don't worry. If you're taking low(ish) OTC dose don't worry. Still worry see your GP.

A summary of the trial I think you refer to can be found at http://www.library.nhs.uk/rss/newsAndRssArticle.aspx?uri=http://www.library.nhs.uk/resources/?id=127036

Answer 4

The problem with taking ibuprofen, is, they are very hard on your liver. Many people take them for hangovers not a good idea because alcohol and ibuprofen make the effects on the liver even worse even deadly. I think you should keep the amounts you take to a minimum, and never take after or before you drink.

Answer 5

As long as you are not on any other medication....suffer from a stomach ulcer...are alergic to asprin, suffer from hayfever or are alergic to anything else...then you should be fine!! Scientists have nothing else better to do then find things in medication that have affected only a small percentage of people! People react to things for all sorts of reasons...and at anytime of life weather they have been taking the same drug for years or have just started taking them!! If you are worried...go to your GP and have a chat!! If you are healthy enough then there is absolutly no reason why you cant take ibiprofen!!

Answer 6

I research the FDA. Do you mean taking NSAIDs when you have cardiovascular conditions?

IF you have been diagnosed with a heart condition (even high blood pressure) you should stay away from Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs-like Aleve. Stick with Tylenol.

Answer 7

Ibuprofen is only an anti-inflammatory. It is perfectly safe. Just don't take more than the suggested adult dose.

Answer 8

Better for you to ask your physician.

If you take an aspirin regiment for your heart, ibuprofen can negate the positive effects the aspirin provide for your heart.

Answer 9

I'm 51, and my doctor still recommends it; complications can occur from ANY medication, but the chances of it are small, especially if you've taken it before without incident.

Answer 10

its safe if you dont have stomach problems already and if you don't take any other blood thinners like coumadin or heparin, or plavix. Its just hard on the stomach. its for pain associated with inflammation like arthritis.