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Advil

(ibuprofen)

In this factsheet:
• How does Advil work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Advil?
• What form(s) does Advil come in?
• Who should NOT take Advil?
• What side effects are possible with Advil?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Advil?
• What other drugs could interact with Advil?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Advil?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common
• abdominal or stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort (mild to moderate)
• diarrhea
• dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
• headache (mild to moderate)
• heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting

Less common or rare
• bitter taste or other change in taste sensation
• bloated feeling, gas, or constipation
• decreased appetite or loss of appetite
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• flushing or hot flashes
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• increased sweating
• irritation, dryness, or soreness of mouth
• nervousness, anxiety, irritability, trembling, or twitching
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness without any other symptoms

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common
• skin rash

Less common or rare

bladder pain bleeding from cuts or scratches that lasts longer than usual bleeding or crusting sores on lips bloody or cloudy urine or any problem with urination, such as difficult, burning, or painful urination blurred vision or any change in vision burning feeling in throat, chest, or stomach change in urine colour or odour confusion, forgetfulness, mental depression, or other mood or mental changes cough or hoarseness decreased hearing, any other change in hearing, or ringing or buzzing in ears difficulty swallowing eye pain, irritation, dryness, redness, or swelling frequent urge to urinate hallucinations headache (severe), throbbing, or with stiff neck or back hives, itching of skin, or any other skin problem (such as blisters, redness or other colour change, tenderness, burning, peeling, loosening or splitting of fingernails)

muscle cramps, pain, or weakness numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet pain in lower back or side (severe) sudden, large increase or decrease in the amount of urine or loss of bladder control swelling of face, feet, or lower legs swelling of lips or tongue swelling or tenderness in upper abdominal or stomach area swollen or painful glands (especially in the neck or throat area) thirst (continuing) trouble speaking unexplained runny nose or sneezing unexplained, unexpected, or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding unusual tiredness or weakness weight gain (rapid) yellow eyes or skin

Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare
• abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning (severe)
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• convulsions (seizures)
• fever with or without chills
• nausea, heartburn, or indigestion (severe and continuing)
• pinpoint-sized red spots on skin
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
• spitting up blood
• unexplained nosebleeds
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Stop taking this medication and get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare
• fainting
• fast or irregular breathing
• fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse
• hive-like swellings (large) on face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
• shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, or tightness in chest

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Advil?

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid retention and edema have been reported with use of this medication. Ibuprofen should be used with caution by anyone who:

• has certain heart conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure)
• has high blood pressure
• has kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• is recovering from a surgical operation under general anesthesia
• has any other condition that might lead to fluid retention

Potassium levels: There is a risk of high blood potassium with NSAID treatment. People most at risk are seniors; those having conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; and those taking beta-adrenergic blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or some diuretics (water pills).

Gastrointestinal: Stomach ulcers, perforation, and bleeding from the stomach have been known to occur during therapy with this medication. These complications can occur at any time and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention. The risk of ulcers and bleeding increases for people taking higher doses of ibuprofen for longer periods of time.

Ibuprofen should be taken under close medical supervision by people prone to irritation of the stomach and intestines, particularly those who have had a stomach ulcer, bloody stools, or diverticulosis or other inflammatory disease of the stomach or intestines (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease). In these cases, your doctor must weigh the benefits of treatment against the possible risks.

Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms or signs suggestive of stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools). These reactions can occur at any time during treatment without warning.

Kidney function: Long-term use of ibuprofen may lead to a higher risk of reduced kidney function. This is most common for people who already have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure; for people who take diuretics (water pills); and for seniors.

Occupational hazards: Headaches, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness, may occur during treatment with ibuprofen. (These headaches usually occur early in the treatment.) Although the severity of these effects rarely requires the therapy to be stopped, ibuprofen should be discontinued if the headaches persist despite dose reduction. Avoid operating motor vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you determine the effect this medication has on you.

Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as its safety has not been established.

Breast-feeding: This medication should not be used by nursing mothers, as its safety has not been established.

Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects. They should use the lowest effective dosage under close medical supervision.

What other drugs could interact with Advil?

The following medications may affect the way that ibuprofen works or increase the risk of side effects:

• ASA
• alcohol
• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• beta-adrenergic blockers
• corticosteroids
• diuretics
• heparin
• other NSAIDs
• potassium supplements
• probenecid
• warfarin

Ibuprofen may affect the way that the following medications work:

• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• heparin
• lithium
• methotrexate
• oral hypoglycemics
• phenytoin
• triamterene
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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