How long can I take this medication before I should speak to my doctor?
January 14, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Carsten Schillinger
Dear Online Consultation Team,
My name is Tina Schulz and I have been suffering from severe headaches for some time now. Two months ago, my doctor prescribed me the medication Ibuprofen to relieve the pain. I have been taking the medication regularly and it has been helping me so far.
However, I am starting to worry as I have heard that Ibuprofen should not be taken for an extended period of time. I am wondering how long I can continue taking this medication before I should discuss it with my doctor.
I want to make sure that I am not putting my health at risk and that I am not taking the medication for longer than recommended. Should I schedule an appointment with my doctor now to discuss alternative treatment options? Or can I continue taking Ibuprofen for a certain period of time?
I look forward to your assessment and possible recommendations so that I can continue to effectively treat my headaches without jeopardizing my health.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Tina Schulz
Dear Tina Schulz,
I am glad that you have reached out to the online consultation with your question. Headaches can be really burdensome and it is important to find the right treatment for them. Ibuprofen is a widely used painkiller that works well for many people. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties.
It is true that Ibuprofen should not be taken for an extended period of time without medical supervision. Regular and long-term use of Ibuprofen can lead to various side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to discuss the duration of use and dosage of Ibuprofen with your doctor.
Usually, Ibuprofen is recommended for short-term treatment of acute pain. If you want to take the medication for a longer period of time, it is important to have regular medical check-ups to detect possible side effects early. Your doctor can then decide whether you can continue taking Ibuprofen or if alternative treatment options should be considered.
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor soon to discuss your headache treatment. Your doctor can assess your current situation, weigh possible risks, and develop an individual treatment strategy with you. There are also other medications and therapies that can help with headaches, and it is important to find the best option for you.
I hope that this information helps you and that you find a suitable treatment for your headaches soon. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the online consultation again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Best regards,
Carsten Schillinger
