Like any drugs, taking aspirin and ibuprofen in high doses for a long time can affect your health – and can be particularly harmful to your stomach.
They both belong to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and to help bring down a high temperature..
According to Medline Plus, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine.
These medicines taken in high doses may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines with the serious health outcomes showing little to no warning signs.
The NHS advises: “If you're taking tablets, capsules, granules or liquid, take the lowest dose to control your pain for the shortest possible time.
"Do not take it for more than 10 days (or three days if you're under 18) unless you've spoken to your doctor."
Side effects you should not ignore
Below are some of the more common side effects from NSAIDs, as outlined by the NHS. These are more common if you take them in high doses for a long time, or if you're elderly or in poor health.
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Wind
- Indigestion
Serious side effects include:
- Black poo or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding in your stomach
- Swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of a kidney problem
Although it may be in rare cases, the use of NSAIDs can unfortunately cause internal ulcers and bleeding.
This occurs as the drugs are known to cause thinning in the blood increasing stomach complications.
NSAIDs can also cause ulcers by interfering with the stomach's ability to protect itself from gastric acids.
Although early warning symptoms may be rare, if experiencing blood in your stools, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting blood it could indicate either ulcers or stomach bleeding.
If you are bothered by any side effects caused by NSAIDs, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor straight away.
How reduce ulcer bleeding
A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham found that the risk of stomach bleeding caused by using aspirin long-term, can be reduced with a short course of antibiotics.
The research found that over the first two and a half years, those who had antibiotic treatment were less likely to be admitted to hospital because of ulcer bleeding than those who had dummy tablets.
Professor Chris Hawkey said: “Aspirin has many benefits in terms of reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people at increased risk.
“There is also evidence that it is able to slow down certain cancers.
“We are pleased that our findings have shown that ulcer bleeding can be significantly reduced following a one-week course of antibiotics.”
He concluded: “The long-term implications of the results are encouraging in terms of safe prescribing”
Keep in mind that taking too much of an NSAID can be dangerous. You should contact your GP or use NHS 111 for advice immediately.
If someone experience serious side effects of an NSAID overdose, such as fits, breathing difficulties or has lost consciousness, call 999.
