Ibuprofen and Stomach Pain: What Users Say

• Mou...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 13, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "Been taking ibuprofen 800 mg 3x a day, and always with food. A PA urged me to go off of it last Mon (now Wed) and replace it with tramadol; said he didn't know anyone who didn't get stomach ulcers or have kidney problems when on ibuprofen for an extended period. Each day pain grew worse until today I could hardly get out of bed as the pain was excruciating. Cooked breakfast in a hurry, switched back to ibuprofen, and now pain-free by noon."

• efa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 1, 2014

For Pain "Ibuprofen was my default pain relief early in my experience with ankylosing spondylitis. It reduced inflammation and made the pain, discomfort, and stiffness more manageable. I did experience some side effects (constipation, followed by diarrhea due to the blockage, stomach pains, etc.), but the pain management helped to make it bearable. I managed on it for over 10 years before my fusion made the pain worse."

• Suz...
• October 20, 2019

For Pain "My lower spine was injured in a car accident. The L-3 was crushed, resulting in paralysis in one leg. I also developed Crohn’s disease. After using ibuprofen for months, I developed symptoms of stomach ulcers, so I stopped taking it, and within a day, the feelings of being either hot or cold completely disappeared. I can now sleep through the night without waking up hot and sweaty. I would also experience episodes of feeling extremely cold, oftentimes soon after feeling extremely hot. I would put on extra clothing, go to bed with extra blankets until I finally warmed up. These two symptoms went on for months but have now completely stopped shortly after stopping the ibuprofen."

• pse...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2016

Ibuprofen for Headache "Advil is my pain reliever of choice, and I take it occasionally to relieve severe headaches; however, it is not without its (many) faults. For starters, it often takes as long as 2 hours to start acting. Also, it is VERY hard on my stomach—taking even the smallest recommended dose makes me feel queasy and nauseous. I actually prefer the children's Advil, as it has a similar pain-relieving effect without as much stomach pain. Overall, Advil is a worthwhile pain medication, but I would recommend using it sparingly."

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2021

For Pain "I was told to take ibuprofen every day for neck pain. Well, after 5 days, I got the most painful stomach pains and vomiting and got taken to the hospital, where they said don’t take it anymore as it can strip your stomach lining! I had developed acute gastritis from it and was extremely sick and uncomfortable for 5 days and put on a proton pump inhibitor to heal my stomach lining. I will never take an NSAID again if I can help it, what a nightmare!"

• Mur...
• September 26, 2009

For Pain "I have used this drug for 20 years. Cannot take other NSAIDs because they cause stomach pain. But for some reason, ibuprofen I can take with no problem at all. And it works on all my joint pain."