400mg ibuprofen tablets

[Old Salt]

I have very bad arthritis. Was taking naprosyn 500mg, twice a day, but had to stop over a week ago as it was really giving me severe cramps. Before the naprosyn, I had been taking a 400mg ibuprofen tablet, three times a day, with no problems.

I need to take something as the pain often gets very bad. I have taken ibuprofen twice today,, but noticed that the instructions say, take only for ten days.

My GP knew I was on ibuprofen for a couple of years before they talked me into going to the naprosyn. It gave me very good relief, but after six months, I suddenly developed stomach problems, which stopped, when I stopped taking the naprosyn.

Is there anyone else out there who has taken ibuprofen for a prolonged period of time?

Would be very interested in hearing your comments.

Thanks for any suggestions for advice

Old Salt

[Sqad]

I do not take rheumatic medication, but have the following comments.

You don't say what type of arthritis you have......osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or any other type of arthropathy.

But basically 400mgms of Ibuprofen is only an average dose and certainly 600mgms would not be out of place in one go and repeated every 6 hours should it be necessary.

All drugs MAY have side effects occasionally and these should be weighed against the obvious benefits of pain relief. Ibuprofen MAY have side effects in the long and short term, but in my opinion should not be a contraindication for pain relief.

If you have psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, then unsuccessful pain relief should be managed by a rheumatologist.

[murraymints]

better ibrop than paracetamol

[Old Salt]

Thank you Sqad

Your response was very easy to understand and extremely helpful. I have had no end of people, who have not been taking ibuprofen for prolonged periods, giving me advice.

I was pretty sure the 400mg plan would be my best dose. Funny, but I have suffered with arthritis for many years, and neither I or my GP have ever said anything regarding which type it might be.

One thing I am sure of, it is very painful and causes me a lot of discomfort. With the ibuprofen, I can usually get some reasonable relief. However, from-time-to-time, I get pain so bad I just have to stop and put my feet up, or lay down until it passes.

I never considered increasing the dose, but now that you mention it, many years ago, when I stopped a 300 pound (costing £35,000+) disc drive from sliding down several flight of stairs, the company Doctor prescribed more than one 400mg tablet every six-eight hours, for my back pain. He also gave me a year of post-dated prescriptions.

I've got to agree murraymints, paracetamol never works very good for me.

Old Salt

[nannybooby]

old salt , why dont you ask to be refered to a rhumatoliogist(sorry bad speller),he will identify the type of aethritis you have and will be able to prescribe much stronger anti inflamatory pain releif., and stop it affecting your tummy.I agree with you when it gets bad feet up and heat packs is the only way forward- plus a g and t after 6. Hope you feel better soon.

[Old Salt]

Thanks nannybooby, I'll keep it in mind.

Most of the time the doctors and specialists and consultants, after a bunch of tests, tell me, "Well, you've got to expect it at your age."

So, I'm just trying to find a way to manage the pain and discomfort

Old Salt

[peterpan56]

Ibuprofen is know to cause stomach problems as well. In fact it causes stomach problems in a greater number of people than does naprosyn.

It would be a good idea to talk with you doctor about options. Tylenol does not cause stomach problems but long term use can effect the liver. It is safe to use long term under a doctors care.

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown in many studies to help control inflammation and joint pain. It has many other health benefits as well.

Here is a link to information about omeag 3.

http://arthritis-symp...ega-3-fatty-acids.htm

[boxtops]

when my GP gave me ibuprofen a few weeks ago, it upset my stomach dreadfully. I stopped taking it, and all was well.

[Old Salt]

Thanks for the advice, I have been back on Ibuprofen for a few weeks now and everything has settled down.

Hopefully, I won't have to make any further adjustments

OS

[rsvp]

just a point - ibuprofen should not be taken on an empty stomach - it is a brilliant drug but not one to abuse - take it with, or just after food.

[old-wos-is-name]

ibuprofen is not good if you have high blood pressure as it shrinks the arteries.

[Old Salt]

Both points are noted.

I have annual check-ups, and my GP is always willing to listen to any of my concerns.

OS