Latest news with #NSAID
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
The five medications you can't take with ibuprofen
Mixing certain medications with ibuprofen can be dangerous 💊 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication taken across the UK. However, there are some medications that when taken with ibuprofen can have serious consequences. Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent pharmacist George Sandhu. A leading pharmacist is warning patients to be aware of the dangers caused by mixing certain medications with ibuprofen. Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent pharmacist George Sandhu urges all patients to ensure they read their medication and consult with medical professionals to stay safe when taking their medicine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'NSAIDs such as ibuprofen have become very efficient at aiding a variety of symptoms including reducing pain and treating fevers. While this has helped many patients, it is very important that patients who are being treated for a variety of other issues don't just take ibuprofen. 'It can be tempting if suffering from a sore head or a bad cold however it isn't worth the risk of causing severe side effects with other medications. 'Many medications mixed with ibuprofen can lead to severe medical emergencies so please always read the label to ensure the best knowledge of your medications. 'That's why I'd always urge patients to ensure they are open and upfront with pharmacists about what medication they are taking to ensure that they can then be given the best result possible.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mixing some medications with ibuprofen can have dangerous consequences. | Matthew Ashmore - What is ibuprofen? Ibuprofen, which is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used to relieve pain, help with fevers and reduce inflammation. The NSAID group of drugs works by blocking enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins, the chemicals which contribute to pain. What medications can you not take with ibuprofen? If you take other medications, it's important to make sure it's safe to take them alongside ibuprofen as the last thing you want is to end up feeling more unwell. If you are unsure at any time about mixing medications with ibuprofen, you can discuss your medications with your pharmacist who can offer expert advice. These are the five medications you should avoid mixing with ibuprofen: Blood thinners Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Blood thinners such as warfarin are given to patients who have been suffering from blood clots to allow for blood to pass through the body with less risk of another clot occurring. However, while blood thinners are able to help with the issue of blood clots, they are not compatible with ibuprofen. When ibuprofen is taken alongside blood thinners it increases a risk of bleeding and so ibuprofen should be avoided. Antidepressants Antidepressants are medications given to try and offer help with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Many people prescribed these drugs are given a course of at least six months so may during that time feel they need to use ibuprofen. However, this must be avoided as when taken with antidepressants, it can potentially increase the risk of side effects. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Side effects of antidepressants can include indigestion, stomach ache, diarrhoea, constipation and problems peeing. There could also be further side effects including heart rhythm problems such as palpitations or a fast heartbeat. Your sex drive can also be affected and it is advised that people on antidepressants might also find it difficult to orgasm or maintain an erection. Another medical risk that might occur is the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when antidepressants are mixed with ibuprofen. High blood pressure medication Patients who are being treated for high blood pressure should be particularly aware of not taking ibuprofen as it can cause their medication to stop working. Prescriptions given to patients including beta-blockers - a tablet which slows down heart rate by blocking adrenaline - can often become ineffective. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The reason for this is that patients who take ibuprofen could see their blood pressure increase - a common side effect with NSAIDs. It is recommended to try and keep ibuprofen to a minimum when using high blood pressure medications to ensure that the medication can work as effectively as possible. Steroids Patients currently taking medications including steroids should be aware of the dangers posed by mixing them with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen must be avoided if you have been prescribed corticosteroids including prednisolone and dexamethasone. The mixture of the two medications can lead to severe stomach issues including an irritation of the gastric lining. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Further stomach problems which could arise from mixing these two medications together include gastric bleeding and stomach ulcers. It is advised that patients always read the label and contact a medical professional before mixing any medications which could lead to serious medical issues. Methotrexate Methotrexate is used to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's Disease. The prescription-only medication is an immunosuppressant, which works by slowing down the body's immune system and can also help to reduce swelling. The medicine can be given as tablets, a liquid which is swallowed or inside pre-filled syringes which are then injected into the patient. However, for patients who are using methotrexate for any of their medical issues, they should avoid using ibuprofen or any other NSAID. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The reason for this is that the mixture of both ibuprofen and methotrexate could lead to the medication being affected and not properly treating the condition. While some side effects of using methotrexate might lead to headaches, it is recommended that patients use paracetamol rather than ibuprofen.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Boy, 18, left with horrific bowel disease for life after hay fever tablets wreaked havoc in his gut
CHRONIC use of popular medications may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, experts have warned. Their warning comes after an 18-year-old boy' s daily use led to him developing 2 The boy's case highlights the adverse effects associated with chronic NSAID use Credit: Getty The teenage boy had been dealing with debilitating daily NSAIDs are a class of medications used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. They're commonly used for conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, sprains, strains, and arthritis, with common examples including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. In a report published in , medical experts detailed how the boy had also been taking diphenhydramine for seasonal allergies - which is a combination of an antihistamine and NSAID. Read more on colitis More than two years after taking the pills daily, he began experiencing hematochezia - He had no significant past medical history , but revealed to doctors he'd been taking 600mg of over-the-counter NSAIDs two times a day. A colonoscopy revealed significant mucosal inflammation in his colon, suggestive of colitis due to chronic NSAID use, which led to him being officially diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colitis is one of the main types of IBD. Most read in Health Doctors discharged the boy after his vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) showed to be stable. He was given oral oral prednisone and mesalamine for IBD, was advised to discontinue NSAID use, and was instructed to return in six weeks for a repeat colonoscopy. I was going to the toilet 40 times a day - FA Cup star opens up on his bowel disease torment But he ultimately failed to follow up. The authors of the report wrote: "This case highlights the adverse effects associated with chronic NSAID use." They added: "Although the patient was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, the absence of a strong family history and the presence of chronic NSAID use raise the possibility of drug-induced colitis. 2 A colonoscopy revealed significant mucosal inflammation in his colon, suggestive of colitis due to chronic NSAID use Credit: cureus "This underscores the importance of obtaining a detailed medication history and ensuring close outpatient follow-up." What is colitis? Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it's also known, is where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The exact cause is unknown, although it's thought to be the result of a problem with the immune system. Inherited genes may also be a factor of the development of the condition - you may be more likely to have it if you have a close relative with the condition. And where and how you live could affect your chances. The NHS advises: "The condition is more common in urban areas of northern parts of western Europe and America. "Various environmental factors that may be linked to uclerative colitis have been studied, including air pollution, medicine and certain diets. "Although no factors have so far been identified, countries with improved sanitation seem to have a higher population of people with the condition. "This suggests that reduced exposure to bacteria may be an important factor." NSAIDs, some heart and migraine medications, hormone medicines, and antibiotics have previously been linked to colitis. Signs of ulcerative colitis The main symptoms are: recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus tummy pain needing to poo frequently You may also experience extreme tiredness (fatigue), loss of appetite and weight loss. The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives. Some people may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all (remission), followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome (flare-ups or relapses). During a flare-up, some people with ulcerative colitis also experience symptoms elsewhere in their body; which are known as extra-intestinal symptoms. These can include: painful and swollen joints (arthritis) mouth ulcers swollen fat under the skin causing bumps and patches – this is known as erythema nodosum irritated and red eyes problems with bones, such as osteoporosis In many people, no specific trigger for flare-ups is identified, although a gut infection can occasionally be the cause. Stress is also thought to be a potential factor. You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you haven't been diagnosed with the condition. Source: NHS
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Boy, 18, left with horrific bowel disease for life after hay fever tablets wreaked havoc in his gut
Plus, the signs of the boy's condition to look out for PILL PERIL Boy, 18, left with horrific bowel disease for life after hay fever tablets wreaked havoc in his gut CHRONIC use of popular medications may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, experts have warned. Their warning comes after an 18-year-old boy' s daily use led to him developing colitis. 2 The boy's case highlights the adverse effects associated with chronic NSAID use Credit: Getty The teenage boy had been dealing with debilitating daily headaches and decided to self-treat with daily over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are a class of medications used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. They're commonly used for conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, sprains, strains, and arthritis, with common examples including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. In a report published in Cureus, medical experts detailed how the boy had also been taking diphenhydramine for seasonal allergies - which is a combination of an antihistamine and NSAID. More than two years after taking the pills daily, he began experiencing hematochezia - bleeding from the rectum - and fatigue. He had no significant past medical history, but revealed to doctors he'd been taking 600mg of over-the-counter NSAIDs two times a day. A colonoscopy revealed significant mucosal inflammation in his colon, suggestive of colitis due to chronic NSAID use, which led to him being officially diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colitis is one of the main types of IBD. Doctors discharged the boy after his vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) showed to be stable. He was given oral oral prednisone and mesalamine for IBD, was advised to discontinue NSAID use, and was instructed to return in six weeks for a repeat colonoscopy. I was going to the toilet 40 times a day - FA Cup star opens up on his bowel disease torment But he ultimately failed to follow up. The authors of the report wrote: "This case highlights the adverse effects associated with chronic NSAID use." They added: "Although the patient was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, the absence of a strong family history and the presence of chronic NSAID use raise the possibility of drug-induced colitis. 2 A colonoscopy revealed significant mucosal inflammation in his colon, suggestive of colitis due to chronic NSAID use Credit: cureus "This underscores the importance of obtaining a detailed medication history and ensuring close outpatient follow-up." What is colitis? Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it's also known, is where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The exact cause is unknown, although it's thought to be the result of a problem with the immune system. Inherited genes may also be a factor of the development of the condition - you may be more likely to have it if you have a close relative with the condition. And where and how you live could affect your chances. The NHS advises: "The condition is more common in urban areas of northern parts of western Europe and America. "Various environmental factors that may be linked to uclerative colitis have been studied, including air pollution, medicine and certain diets. "Although no factors have so far been identified, countries with improved sanitation seem to have a higher population of people with the condition. "This suggests that reduced exposure to bacteria may be an important factor." NSAIDs, some heart and migraine medications, hormone medicines, and antibiotics have previously been linked to colitis.
Scroll.in
13-06-2025
- Health
- Scroll.in
Vulture population dwindles despite drug ban
Amid the diverse forests of southern India, across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, a silent crisis is unfolding, threatening the survival of nature's most efficient scavengers: vultures. A synchronised vulture survey conducted across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in February 2025 estimated 390 vultures. While this is higher than the previous year's estimate of 320 vultures, it is still significantly less than historical populations. The survey recorded 157 vultures in Tamil Nadu – the white-rumped vulture (110), long-billed vulture (31) red-headed vulture (11) and the Egyptian vulture (5). According to the IUCN Red List, the first three are critically endangered, while the latter is endangered. The root cause for the decline in vultures in India has been the pharmaceutical drug known as diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, used to treat cattle. Vultures that ingest diclofenac residues from the carcasses of treated cattle face severe health complications such as renal failure and even death, leading to catastrophic declines in their populations. The drop in vulture population in India, due to the impacts of diclofenac resulted in the government banning the drug for veterinary use in 2006. Other similar drugs, such as aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide, were also found to be fatally toxic and subsequently banned. 'These banned NSAIDs work miraculously on cattle, relieving pain and inflammation almost immediately, as their half-life – the time it takes for 50% of the drug to metabolise and take effect – is the shortest and fastest,' says K Vijayakumar, a veterinary doctor from Erode, a city in Tamil Nadu. 'However, these drugs often lead to renal failure [in vultures] due to a spike in uric acid levels after ingestion. Vultures are not biologically equipped to handle such elevated levels of uric acid, resulting in kidney failure and ultimately death.' 'If a group of vultures feeds on one such carcass, the whole group may die, not immediately, but somewhere else, unnoticed,' explains Rajkumar Devaraje Urs, Managing trustee of Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Mysore. Despite the bans on these harmful drugs, they continue to slip through the cracks of enforcement, quietly decimating vulture populations across India. A ban ignored After the 2006 ban on veterinary use, diclofenac continued to be sold in large multi-dose vials (30 ml) for human use. This facilitated the illegal use of diclofenac on cattle, contributing to a further decline in vulture populations. In response, the India's health ministry issued a blanket ban on multi-dose vials of diclofenac on July 17, 2015. Though a pharmaceutical company challenged this ban, the Madras High Court upheld the ban in 2017. In some places, this ban is being followed strictly. In the Nilgiris, for example, a pharmacist, on condition of anonymity as he is speaking on a sensitive topic, confirms that most retail stores now refuse to sell diclofenac without prescriptions, even for human use. 'We have put up boards clearly stating the drugs sold here are for human use only,' he says. 'Whenever a farmer approaches our shop for veterinary care, we direct them to veterinary doctors for correct diagnosis and treatment.' He adds that it has become nearly impossible to source any of the banned drugs especially in the Nilgiris. 'Diclofenac, in particular, is no longer supplied to us by wholesale distributors – even for human use,' he says. But this is not true across all regions. Rajkumar points out that large multi-dose vials remain widely available and are still being misused in rural areas for treating livestock, bypassing prescription requirements. S Bharathidasan, co-founder and secretary of the non-governmental organisation Arulagam based in Coimbatore, who actively works on vulture conservation, also says that vials of the drug, some dated as recently as 2022, are still available in the market despite the ban, particularly in places like MM Hills and Gundlupet, which fall outside the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. 'From 2016 to 2021, 104 cases were filed for misuse of diclofenac for veterinary purposes, and nearly all resulted in convictions and a few are yet to receive the final judgement,' says MN Sreedhar, Director of Drugs Control, Tamil Nadu. He emphasises that the situation is currently under control and that enforcement actions in one region often have a deterrent effect elsewhere. He mentioned that the department has been particularly vigilant in districts like Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, and Namakkal, based on the advice of Supriya Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary for Tamil Nadu's Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department. 'In Coimbatore, two licenses have already been cancelled, and five cases are under investigation, with show-cause notices issued. Depending on the response and severity of violations, decisions are made to either suspend or cancel licenses,' he says. IMAGE Egyptian vulture circle over carcasses of livestock at a garbage dump. Credit: Sarusscape via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Unregulated veterinary practices According to Rajkumar, under-resourced veterinary departments exacerbate the misuse of diclofenac. 'As they are unable to attend to every call, retired personnel or untrained assistants step in,' he notes. Vijayakumar adds that cattle inseminators and other non-qualified personnel often act as de facto veterinarians in rural areas, prescribing over-the-counter medications without any formal training. 'These untrained individuals dispense veterinary drugs indiscriminately, with no understanding of correct dosages, side effects, or knowledge of bans on certain drugs,' he explains. He says that, in some cases, even farmers buy and administer medicines themselves – sometimes in doses exceeding lethal limits – to avoid paying a veterinarian's fee. 'Good practitioners avoid unnecessary drugs when natural remedies could suffice. But what we see on the ground is alarming – quacks administering lethal doses, often continuing treatment for days just based on a cow's visible pain, without proper diagnosis,' he says. Even a slight overdose, just 30 ml extra, can cause fatal side effects like bloody diarrhea in cattle. 'We can't always weigh cows accurately, which adds to the risk,' Vijayakumar explains. 'Farmers and quacks often don't even know about vultures, let alone the indirect impact of these drugs. Education and awareness are urgently needed, along with strict government intervention to regulate the use of veterinary medicine.' Bharathidasan suggests that veterinary care should be brought under the government. 'The Tamil Nadu government should make veterinary doctors widely available on call at an affordable cost. This approach would simplify the complex issues of quackery and illegal drug use,' he says. Additionally, he suggests that maintaining a detailed history of each cattle would allow for tracking administered medications, offering vital insights into the cause of the animal's death and helping to determine the appropriate disposal method. Multi-pronged approach In a significant move for vulture conservation, Tamil Nadu has restricted the use of the veterinary drug flunixin in 2019 and is working on establishing a Vulture Safe Zone across Coimbatore, Nilgiris, and Erode districts. 'While state governments lack the authority to impose a complete ban on pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu has taken decisive action by limiting the sale and purchase of the drug within its jurisdiction,' notes Bharathidasan. The state had earlier curbed the use of another harmful drug, ketoprofen, in 2015, well before the national government enforced a nationwide ban in 2023. 'At this stage, only ethical campaigning is possible. A nationwide ban issued by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board of India is essential to give it the force of law,' says Bharathidasan. But, he says, bans on anti-inflammatory drugs alone will not help vultures recover. The problem requires a multipronged approach. Rajkumar and his team are collecting field evidence and working with farmers, veterinarians, and wildlife departments to build awareness and demand accountability. Rajkumar notes that even among educated village residents, there is confusion about what vultures look like. 'Many think eagles are vultures because they've never seen a real vulture,' he says. When he visited schools, even teachers had never encountered one to teach the students. 'We show Ramayan's Jatayu to the villagers to save the vulture population. There is almost immediate attention to the issue when they can connect it with their belief system,' he shares. The team is also promoting ethno-veterinary practices, including traditional methods of animal treatment, such as the use of Ayurvedic medicines that they used before the introduction of the banned/restricted drugs. This is being piloted in five villages in Karnataka, he adds. Additionally, Bharathidasan feels the government should establish a proper animal carcass disposal mechanism. He points to the growing issue of animal poisoning, where wild animals or birds unintentionally consume substances intended for peacocks, street dogs, and similar animals. These poisoned wild animals are then eaten by scavengers, triggering a chain of poisoning resulting in the death of vultures, which in turn increases the burden of carcass disposal. 'Vultures are nature's clean-up crew. Their absence forces communities to dispose of dead cattle at high cost, or worse, send carcasses to meat industries, exposing other animals and humans to contamination,' he says. Conserving vultures, he notes, is not just about saving one species; it plays a critical role in sustaining the entire scavenger chain. Despite their critical ecological role, vultures reproduce slowly, with pairs breeding once a year and taking up to four years to mature. 'With other threats like electrocution, windmill collisions, animal poisoning, and food scarcity due to industrial meat practices, every vulture lost is a significant blow,' says Bharathidasan.
Listly
08-06-2025
- Health
- Listly
Acid Reflux and Burping Too Often? When It's Time to See a Houston GI Doctor
REPORT Listly by Ahmed Ahmed It's normal to burp occasionally after a big meal or a fizzy drink. But if you find yourself burping excessively or constantly battling heartburn, it might be more than just indigestion. These symptoms could be signs of acid reflux burping or even stomach inflammation gastritis, both of which may need attention from a qualified Houston GI specialist. If you're searching for a trusted digestive disease center near me, knowing when to seek help can make all the difference in protecting your long-term digestive health. What Causes Excessive Burping and Acid Reflux? Burping is your body's way of releasing excess air from your stomach. But when it's frequent—especially when paired with symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest or regurgitation—it may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or underlying stomach inflammation gastritis. Common triggers include: Eating large or fatty meals Carbonated beverages Smoking or alcohol use Chronic stress Certain medications An H. pylori infection (a leading cause of gastritis) These factors can irritate your digestive tract and lead to persistent acid reflux burping and inflammation of the stomach lining. When Is Burping a Problem? Burping too often—more than three or four times after every meal—or having it paired with other symptoms could indicate something more serious. Warning signs include: Persistent heartburn or sour taste Upper abdominal pain or bloating Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Fatigue or weakness (possibly due to anemia) Dark or tarry stools If these symptoms sound familiar, it's time to consult a Houston GI doctor at a reputable digestive disease center near me. Ignoring them may allow your condition to worsen, making treatment more complicated. Could It Be Gastritis? Yes. Stomach inflammation gastritis can mimic symptoms of acid reflux but is often caused by damage to the stomach lining. This can result from bacterial infections, long-term NSAID use, or lifestyle factors. Chronic gastritis can lead to ulcers, bleeding, or even an increased risk of stomach cancer. A Houston GI doctor can diagnose gastritis using tools like: Upper endoscopy Blood tests Stool tests Urea breath test for H. pylori Once diagnosed, treatment often includes acid-suppressing medications, antibiotics (if H. pylori is present), and diet modifications. Why Choose a Digestive Disease Center Near You in Houston? When symptoms persist, early intervention at a digestive disease center near me can prevent complications. The benefit of seeing a Houston GI specialist includes: Personalized diagnosis and care State-of-the-art diagnostic tools Proven treatments for acid reflux burping, gastritis, and more Ongoing management and lifestyle guidance Take Control of Your Digestive Health Don't brush off frequent acid reflux burping or ignore stomach discomfort. These may be early signs of more serious conditions like stomach inflammation gastritis. If you're in the Houston area, connecting with a Houston GI doctor at a nearby digestive disease center near me can help you get relief and avoid long-term complications.
