Ibuprofen oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ibuprofen oral tablet for use in adults to treat:

• mild or moderate pain
• symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• pain related to menstruation

This article describes possible side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ibuprofen. You can explore this overview article to learn more about ibuprofen oral tablet, including the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Ibuprofen oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version.

Ibuprofen also comes in over-the-counter forms that are available without a prescription, forms that you swallow, and an injectable form. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about them, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warnings

Ibuprofen has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.

More common side effects of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet include:

• nausea
• stomach pain*
• heartburn
• dizziness
• skin rash

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• loss of appetite
• bloating
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• fever or chills
• headache
• heartburn
• itchy skin
• nausea
• ringing in the ears
• skin rash
• swelling in the arms or legs
• vomiting
• stomach pain*
• mild allergic reaction*

Ibuprofen oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.

Serious side effects of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from ibuprofen oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with ibuprofen.

Serious side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• aseptic meningitis
• heart failure
• high blood pressure
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• low level of red blood cells
• serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• vision problems, including diminished vision or changes in color vision
• risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events*
• risk of serious digestive problems*
• severe allergic reaction†

* Ibuprofen oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.

Common questions about side effects of ibuprofen

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can ibuprofen 800 mg cause more side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

Possibly. In general, higher doses of a drug are more likely to cause side effects than lower doses. Ibuprofen oral tablet is available in strengths of 400 milligrams (mg), 600 mg, and 800 mg. But studies of the drug don’t indicate differences in side effects based on ibuprofen dosage.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about your risk of side effects from ibuprofen and how your prescribed dose may affect this risk.

Does ibuprofen cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, ibuprofen oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with ibuprofen oral tablet include:

• kidney problems, including long-term complications in rare cases
• liver problems, including long-term complications in rare cases
• low level of red blood cells, which should go away with treatment or by stopping ibuprofen
• risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events*
• risk of serious digestive problems*

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of ibuprofen may last.

* Ibuprofen oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section below.

Coupon for ibuprofen

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Ibuprofen when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of ibuprofen in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events

Ibuprofen oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).In studies, serious heart-related events were rare in people taking ibuprofen oral tablet.

Serious heart and blood vessel-related events reported with ibuprofen include heart attack and stroke.

With a heart attack, you experience a blockage in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the chest or other parts of the upper body, including the arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and feeling dizzy.

With stroke, blood flow to your brain is interrupted. This may be due to a blood clot or bleeding inside the brain. Symptoms may include uneven or drooping face, and weakness or numbness in one or both arms.

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel-related events with ibuprofen oral tablet. These include:

• taking a higher dose of ibuprofen or taking the drug for a long time
• having heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure
• taking ibuprofen within 14 days of having heart bypass surgery

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of serious heart and blood vessel-related events, such as heart attack or stroke, seek immediate emergent medical care. These are life threatening conditions requiring treatment as soon as possible.

Your doctor will have you stop taking ibuprofen if you experience a serious heart and blood vessel-related event while taking the drug.

Risk of serious digestive problems

Ibuprofen oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.In studies, serious digestive problems were rare in people taking ibuprofen oral tablet.

Serious digestive problems reported with ibuprofen oral tablet include:

• bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• ulcers in your stomach or intestines
• holes in your stomach or intestines

Symptoms can include:

• blood in your vomit or stool
• burning pain or cramps in your abdomen
• feeling full or bloated
• nausea

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious digestive problems with ibuprofen oral tablet. These include:

• taking a higher dose of ibuprofen or taking the drug for a long time
• taking another drug that may cause these problems together with ibuprofen, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen
• drinking alcohol or smoking
• having liver disease
• being age 65 years or older
• having a bleeding problem

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of a serious digestive problem, immediately stop taking ibuprofen and tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend undergoing further testing to evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

Stomach pain

In studies, stomach pain was common in people taking ibuprofen oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild. However, it can also be a symptom of serious digestive problems in rare instances.

With stomach pain, you may also experience cramping or a burning sensation.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of stomach pain, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend testing to evaluate your symptoms further. For example, they may want to check if you have stomach bleeding caused by ibuprofen.

Allergic reaction

For some people, ibuprofen oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. These reactions were rare in studies of ibuprofen.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to ibuprofen oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for ibuprofen

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking ibuprofen oral tablet.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart-related events and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take ibuprofen oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether ibuprofen oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking ibuprofen oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• asthma
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• recent heart bypass surgery
• digestive problems
• kidney problems
• liver disease
• past allergic reaction to ibuprofen*
• past hives or allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section above.

Ibuprofen and pregnancy

Ibuprofen oral tablet should not be taken after week 30 of pregnancy. Ibuprofen may be taken between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy if you and your doctor agree that the benefits outweigh the risks.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen and breastfeeding

Ibuprofen oral tablet should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen and alcohol

Ibuprofen oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol. Drinking alcohol raises your risk of serious digestive problems* from taking ibuprofen.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with ibuprofen oral tablet.

* Ibuprofen oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of ibuprofen in detail” section above.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common, mild, and serious side effects of ibuprofen oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my health history raise my risk of side effects if I take ibuprofen?
• Do any medications I take increase my risk of side effects from taking ibuprofen?
• How do the risks of serious heart and digestive problems with ibuprofen compare to those of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as meloxicam?
• If I have mild side effects from taking ibuprofen, can you prescribe a lower dosage for me to try?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.