Ibuprofen

What it is used for

• temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:
  • headache
  • muscular aches
  • minor pain of arthritis
  • toothache
  • backache
  • the common cold
  • menstrual cramps
• temporarily reduces fever

What it does

Pain reliever/fever reducer

How to take it

• do not take more than directed
• the smallest effective dose should be used
• adults and children 12 years and over:
  • take 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist
  • if pain or fever does not respond to 1 capsule, 2 capsules may be used
  • do not exceed 6 capsules in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor
• children under 12 years: ask a doctor

While you are taking it

• take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs

Side effects, and when to stop

• you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
  • feel faint
  • vomit blood
  • have bloody or black stools
  • have stomach pain that does not get better
• you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke:
  • chest pain
  • trouble breathing
  • weakness in one part or side of body
  • slurred speech
  • leg swelling
• pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days
• fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
• redness or swelling is present in the painful area
• any new symptoms appear

Who should not take it

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• right before or after heart surgery

What to say before you start

• the stomach bleeding warning applies to you
• you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
• you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn
• you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or had a stroke
• you are taking a diuretic

• under a doctor's care for any serious condition
• taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, because ibuprofen may decrease this benefit of aspirin
• taking any other drug

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Warnings

Allergy alert: Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include:

• hives
• facial swelling
• asthma (wheezing)
• shock
• skin reddening
• rash
• blisters

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others]
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• take more or for a longer time than directed

Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.

Keeping it away from children

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Active ingredient (in each capsule)

Solubilized ibuprofen equal to 200 mg ibuprofen (NSAID)*

(present as the free acid and potassium salt) *nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug