Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is widely used for its pain-relieving properties, especially when it comes to joint aches and pains.

Although these pain relievers are useful in dampening the effects of inflammatory diseases, health experts have issued warnings regarding troubling stomach side effects.

People who experience heartburn or indigestion while using ibuprofen are encouraged to “talk to their doctor.”

Long-term use of ibuprofen is not recommended, as it “increases the risk of heart and circulatory problems”.

This risk is even more pronounced for those who ignore other risk factors for heart disease.

Ibuprofen is used as a daily reliever to treat a range of ailments, not just arthritis.

And the National Health Authority indicated that ibuprofen can also be used to relieve menstrual pain, toothache and sprains.

People taking ibuprofen are advised not to mix it with aspirin or naproxen without talking to their doctor first.

If taken by mouth, ibuprofen may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.

These side effects occur in more than 1 person in 100 people and are therefore considered “common”.

If you experience these side effects when taking ibuprofen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Meanwhile, there are some “serious” side effects that require an immediate call to the doctor.

These effects include: black stools or blood in the vomit, which can be signs of internal bleeding.

You should also contact your doctor immediately if your ankle swells, there is blood in your urine, or if you are unable to urinate, as such problems are indicative of a kidney problem.

If there is any “severe” pain in the chest or stomach, it may be the result of a perforation in the stomach or intestine.

Ibuprofen may also make breathing difficult or worsen asthma symptoms.

An ambulance must be called immediately in the following cases:

A rash that may include itching, redness, swelling, blisters, or scaling of the skin

Tightness in the chest or throat

Difficulty breathing or speaking

Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat

Side effects like these indicate a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate hospital treatment.