Ibuprofen works by blocking the enzyme that produces pain, called prostaglandins.
Although available free, but the use of ibuprofen frequently and continuously in the long term can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, and other serious health problems.
Here are some long-term side effects of ibuprofen:
1. Gastrointestinal bleeding
Side effects most often reported are the potential dangers of ibuprofen on the gastrointestinal system. The side effects include inflammation, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestine.
This effect can cause serious harm and even be fatal, especially in elderly people.
People with a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, internal bleeding, or chronic digestive system problems, such as Crohn's disease, should take ibuprofen with caution.
Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases with time and quantity of ibuprofen use.
2. Cardiovascular effects
The use of ibuprofen is often or every day will increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in high-risk groups of people.
Ibuprofen can also cause or worsen hypertension, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
To reduce cardiovascular risk, use of ibuprofen with the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time, and avoid the use of ibuprofen in conjunction with other NSAIDs or blood thinners.
3. Kidney damage
Long-term use of ibuprofen in risk also damage the kidneys and the kidney to be not working properly.
This condition is known as renal papillary necrosis, in which part of the kidney that serves to concentrate the urine does not work anymore. The condition can be caused by the use of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
People who have the greatest risk of developing renal side effects as ibuprofen are those who have pre-renal disease and the elderly.
4. anemia
Long-term use of ibuprofen can also cause anemia. It is caused by loss of blood in the digestive tract, fluid retention, or destruction of hemoglobin because of drugs.
Anemia due to iron deficiency in some people caused by frequent use of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
Because anemia can be one sign of a more serious health problem, then the long-term use of ibuprofen should be accompanied by examination of routine hemoglobin levels.
