Ibuprofen

Advil™ or Generic Ibuprofen (eye-byu-PRO-fen) 200 mg. is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also called NSAIDs.) NSAIDs are used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis (rheumatism), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Ibuprofen is an antipyretic and therefore used to reduce fever. Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug can cause side effects, especially when it is used for a long time or in large doses. Some of the side effects are painful or uncomfortable. Others can be more serious, resulting in the need for medical care and sometimes-even death. If you will be taking this medicine for more than one or two months or in large amounts, you should discuss with your doctor the good that it can do as well as the risks of taking it. Also, it is a good idea to ask your doctor about other forms of treatment that might help to reduce the amount of this medicine that you take and/or the length of treatment.

• Although ibuprofen may be used instead of aspirin to treat many of the same medical problems, people who are allergic to aspirin must not use them.

• Take tablet or capsule forms of these medicines with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Also, do not lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medicine. This helps to prevent irritation that may lead to trouble in swallowing.

• To lessen stomach upset, these medicines should be taken with food or an antacid.