Ibuprofen can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut, especially if you take it by mouth for a long time or in big doses. If you need to take it for a long time your doctor may also prescribe a medicine to help protect your stomach. Other side effects It is always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking medication while pregnant. Do not use ibuprofen gel if you are more than 6 months pregnant, and do not use it if you are breastfeeding. What is the strongest ibuprofen gel? Although systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with an active peptic ulcer, a history of kidney problems, asthma or intolerance to aspirin or ibuprofen taken orally should seek medical advice before using the gel as should patients already taking other painkillers.

Always take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules and liquid with food or a drink of milk to reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Do not take it on an empty stomach. Summary of Product Characteristics: Ibuleve Speed Relief Max Strength Gel. Diomed Developments Ltd. Revised June 2010. Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients. Although the systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with an active peptic ulcer, a history of kidney problems or asthma should seek medical advice before using Ibuprofen gel as should patients already taking other painkillers. Ibuprofen is contraindicated during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and should be used with caution in the first 2 trimesters.Never use ibuprofen gel, mousse or spray on your eyes, mouth, lips, nose or genital area. It may make them sore. Do not put it on sore or broken skin. Summary of Product Characteristics: Ibugel Forte 10%. Dermal Laboratories Ltd. Revised October 2007. Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal experiments, the use of ibuprofen during the first and second trimesters should, if possible, be avoided. NSAIDs have been associated with spontaneous abortions and congenital abnormalities. During the 3rd trimester, Ibuprofen is contraindicated as there is a risk of premature closure of foetal ductus arteriosus with possible persistent pulmonary hypertension. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child. There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclooxygenase / prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible on withdrawal of treatment. The use of systemic ibuprofen is therefore not recommended in women attempting to conceive (Schaefer, 2007). If you need to take ibuprofen for more than 6 months, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect your stomach from any side effects. If you forget to take ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid

The usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules 3 times a day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg to take 4 times a day if needed. This should only happen under supervision of a doctor. Ibuprofen takes 1 to 2 days to work when putting it directly onto your skin. Always test ibuprofen gel on a small area first, and use 1-4 cm of product in each application. Apply the gel as a thin layer over the affected area and gently rub the gel in until it is completely absorbed. Do not use more gel than is recommended, and make sure you wash your hands after use! Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away. Common side effects of gel, mousse and spray It takes 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it by mouth, and 1 to 2 days to work if you put it on your skin. Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients.It's available as tablets, capsules, granules and as a liquid that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse and spray that you rub into your skin. Ibuprofen is combined with other painkillers in some products. It's an ingredient in some cold and flu remedies, such as Nurofen Cold and Flu.