Stomach ulcers and nurofen/painkillers?

Question

i may have a duodenal ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori, am just waiting on test results.

Can anyone explain why i cant take nurofen if i have this, and what happens if i do. Are there any over the counter painkillers i can take. I am 18, female and based in the U.K.

Answer 1

Ibuprofen damages the lining of the bowel - if taken when the lining is already compromised it just makes matters much worse.

Try talking to the pharmacist.

Answer 2

Nurofen is taken orally and will dissolve in your stomach causing your ulcer to be irritated even more.

Answer 3

Nurofen is a Non-Steroidial Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which is Ibuprofen based.  Ibuprofen can destroy the lining in your stomach which will aggravate any existing ulcers and cause further ulcers to develop.  This is why NSAID type medication should always be taken straight after or with a full meal.

You need to speak to a pharmacist or to your GP for advice.

Answer 4

It is not just nurofen that cause problems if you have an ulcer,the majority of painkillers can and do cause the stomach ulcer to bleed.If you need to take a painkiller please contact your GP or pharmacist.Just taking painkillers over a long period of time can in itself cause an ulcer.The reason for not taking this type of medicine is an ulcer is similar to an internal wound and the ingredients of painkillers unfortunately cause the ulcer to become aggrivated and as said may cause it to bleed.These days ulcers can be cured with medication alone and not need surgery.I hope all is well for you and that you feel better soon.

Answer 5

Patients with upper GI problems should avoid all NSAID drugs, this includes ibuprofen, as they are at greater risk of suffering from GI bleeding. This really only leaves you with paracetamol. ( Codeine containing preparations should generally be avoided due to their poor risk/benefit ratio.)

Answer 6

The reason that it is not advisable to take Nurofen is because the main ingredient Ibuprofen is aspirin based & irritates the lining of the stomach in some people. The only thing that is reasonably safe with ulcers etc is Paracetamol or Codeine. If you take aspirin/Ibuprofen it will cause the ulcer to bleed & give you excruciating pain.Hope this helps & you get sorted soon,good luck