New Research May Explain Unexpected Effects of Common Painkillers Including Ibuprofen and Aspirin

Ibuprofen Tablets

A new study has uncovered a previously unknown process by which some NSAID pain relievers affect the body. It may explain why different NSAIDs can have unexpected effects on many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

You might not recognize the term NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but you are undoubtedly familiar with this class of medications which are commonly used for headaches, pain relief, and to reduce fever. You’ll also recognize the common types of NSAIDs including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as well as the brand names such as Bayer, St. Joseph, Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.

Even though they are often used to treat pain and inflammation, different NSAIDs can have surprising and inexplicable effects on many diseases. New research reveals a previously unknown process by which some NSAIDs affect the body. The findings may explain the varying effects of different NSAIDs and also point to entirely new applications for these drugs.

Since these medications are so widely used, it is really important to fully understand how they affect the body.

Pain and inflammation are commonly treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. However, even at similar doses, different NSAIDs can have unexpected and unexplained effects on many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Now, a new study, led by Yale University, has uncovered a previously unknown process by which some NSAIDs affect the body. The finding may explain why similar NSAIDs produce a range of clinical outcomes and could influence how the drugs are used in the future.

The study was published today (May 23, 2022) in the journal Immunity.

Until now, the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs were thought to arise solely through the inhibition of certain enzymes. However, this mechanism does not account for many clinical outcomes that vary across the family of drugs. For example, some NSAIDs prevent heart disease while others cause it, some NSAIDs have been linked to decreased incidence of colorectal cancer, and various NSAIDs can have a wide range of effects on asthma.

NSAIDs are available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). They are used to relieve fever and pain, such as those associated with headaches, colds, flu, and arthritis. Examples of prescription NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib. Ibuprofen and naproxen are also available OTC at lower strengths through brands like Advil, Motrin and Aleve.

Now, using cell cultures and mice, Yale scientists have uncovered a distinct mechanism by which a subset of NSAIDs reduce inflammation. And that mechanism may help explain some of these curious effects.

The research showed that only some NSAIDs — including indomethacin, which is used to treat arthritis and gout, and ibuprofen — also activate a protein called nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, or NRF2, which, among its many actions, triggers anti-inflammatory processes in the body.

“It’s interesting and exciting that NSAIDs have a different mode of action than what was known previously,” said Anna Eisenstein, an instructor at the Yale School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “And because people use NSAIDs so frequently, it’s important we know what they’re doing in the body.”

The research team can’t say for sure that NSAIDs’ unexpected effects are due to NRF2 — that will require more research. “But I think these findings are suggestive of that,” Eisenstein said.

Eisenstein is now looking into some of the drugs’ dermatological effects — causing rashes, exacerbating hives, and worsening allergies — and whether they are mediated by NRF2.

This discovery still needs to be confirmed in humans, the researchers note. But if it is, the findings could have impacts on how inflammation is treated and how NSAIDs are used.

For instance, several clinical trials are evaluating whether NRF2-activating drugs are effective in treating inflammatory diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, and various cancers; this research could inform the potential and limitations of those drugs. Additionally, NSAIDs might be more effectively prescribed going forward, with NRF2-activating NSAIDs and non-NRF2-activating NSAIDs applied to the diseases they’re most likely to treat.

The findings may also point to entirely new applications for NSAIDs, said Eisenstein.

NRF2 controls a large number of genes involved in a wide range of processes, including metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. And the protein has been implicated in aging, longevity, and cellular stress reduction.

Said Eisenstein, “That NRF2 does so much suggests that NSAIDs might have other effects, whether beneficial or adverse, that we haven’t yet looked for.”

Reference: “Activation of the transcription factor NRF2 mediates the anti-inflammatory properties of a subset of over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs” by Anna Eisenstein, Brandon K. Hilliard, Scott D. Pope, Cuiling Zhang, Pranali Taskar, Daniel A. Waizman, Kavita Israni-Winger, Hui Tian, Harding H. Luan and Andrew Wang, 18 May 2022, Immunity.
DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.04.015

107 Comments on "New Research May Explain Unexpected Effects of Common Painkillers Including Ibuprofen and Aspirin"

  1. So, besides indomethacin and ibuprofen, what other NSAIDS are in the subset that activates NRF2? Are those two all that do it?

  2. I tried to Google that information Trebor without success. I’ve used naproxen sodium in the past and found it quite helpful for arthritic pain.

  3. Could continually taking Aleve for a stubborn headache be the reason my daughter has a rash all over her body? Took her to the doctor, they Googled it and called it pityriasis rosea. But not evidence as to why this occurs. Could they be linked?

  4. I’m curious to know if anyone has ended up with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to Advil Aleve ibuprofen ketoprofen so on and so forth

    • I was told I have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease back last year. I do take Ibuprofen for arthritis pain, but was never told by my Dr., that could be the cause of it. Thank you for the heads up. Will research this further.

    • Christina, first time on this website. I tried to reply here. Reply went below.

      • Roy Crawford | June 4, 2022 at 6:29 am | Reply

        Our Almighty YAHUAH’S ungodliest warriors are impious against the usurp God’s Roman Catholic Church’s man-made religions of the world on flat earth. God-awful Gawd’s World Health Organization’s menacing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s quackery medical professionals prescribes lethal fentanyl to tranquilize pharma dependent patients is self-incrimination against the Vatican’s man-made religions of the world. God’s pharmakeia means sorcery making it harmful medicines against amnesiac pharma dependent patients! I godlessly hate God’s dope!

  5. I asked my allergist why I break out in rashes,hives and also I have increased shortness of breath when I take anti inflammatories, he told me that they release histamines in my body and that is why I have a reaction.

    • I get hives when taking Aleve. I was told to never take it again. It is listed as an allergy and could cause anaphylaxis.

  6. My son is 16, he takes ibuprofen for headaches that he gets alot.. he developed a skin rash, that would not go away. The doctors gave him medication for it, but he also developed a noncancerous tumor on his ankle.. I mean it just popped up.

  7. Michael Perham | May 30, 2022 at 6:16 am | Reply

    Got it real bad shoulder replacement, knee replacement,back surgery,broken back,kniebochs disease, bad ankle,arthritis left shoulder10 to 20 dye free IBUPROFEN daily for many years all the rashes and allergies were there.i stopped and no more rashes or nose problems.now it’s just another nsaid. aspirin is my new as of three weeks ago.I can’t make it through the night without pain although I don’t get up it’s what WE do.

  8. What is the best OTC blood thinner does aspirin work for it? Does it affect blood pressure? Are there any side affects to it and what are they?

  9. Yes, a known side effect of Aleve is a rash. It is really important to search possible side effects of any OTC drug prior to taking it. Often, patients who are unaware of the possibility of side effects, fail to tell their physician they have been taking the OTC medication because it doesn’t occur to them that the OTC medication could be the cause of their symptoms.

  10. David Seiberling | May 30, 2022 at 7:33 am | Reply

    But be Very Aware of Adverse side effects. Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can cause irreversible Kidney and liver damage.

    • Karen L Spencer RN, DNP, ACNP-BC | May 30, 2022 at 8:55 am | Reply

      This is a common misconception. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and naproxen outside of recommended amounts cause kidney failure. Acetaminophen alias Tylenol is actually not an NSAID. Outside of the recommended amounts of causes liver failure. Tylenol does relieve anti-inflammatory type pain but not as well was NSAIDS. It did work better for genders though.

      • Even regular doses can cause liver and kidney damage in some people. I was on Vicoden with Tylenol when my liver enzymes shot up into the tens of thousands. Never took more than prescribed daily. My doctor made me switch medications to something without Tylenol until they fell back to normal (took months). Now if I take anything that contains Tylenol within 6 weeks of having blood work, my liver enzymes are insane. My doctor has forbidden me from taking any Tylenol containing products. So even regular doses can cause issues with the liver and kidneys in certain people.

  11. Brian da man | May 30, 2022 at 8:25 am | Reply

    Wait? The doctor GOOGLED the rash to find out what it was? Did you say the doctor GOOGLED IT? really?

    • This was the same exact reaction I had as well. Would love to interview that doc as well….ask about their college years….might be interesting 🤣

  12. I have been on prescription pain med for several years. I have ALWAYS had an issue with tinnitus. However, in the past I have tried ibuprofen and aspirin and over the past 6 months, my Dr, has tried me on Indomethacin and Mobic. I know an anti inflammatory med could help but literally EVERY time I take one my tinnitus becomes a constant loud squeal, esp in my left ear and I get really bad swelling, that even includes when I’m on baclofen. A week after starting the Mobic I woke up swollen so bad I couldn’t make a fist and my pain was actually worse. I decided, with my high BP and heart failure on my dad’s side, I’ll just go without. I’m sure it will tick my Dr off but I don’t need the extra misery lol. At least I tried em!! I hate having to take pain meds and I don’t unless i absolutely have too, but at least when I do, I get pain relief without any side effects that are noticable to me and my husband said he doesn’t notice anything either. 🤷🏻‍♀️. Does anybody else have that same problem with NSAIDS?? I am currently dealing with fibromyalgia, sjogrens syndrome, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease w/herniated and torn discs, sciatica, bursitis, neuropathy, 2 crushed vert from a car wreck and born with my 2 bottom vert fused to my tailbone. Yes, I’m a walking, talking, disaster with my own personal pharmacy with a lot of the failed to work or bad side effect meds dissolving in a can of wet coffee grounds, ugh 🙄🤔🙃. It’s too bad when a script fails the Dr or your insurance wont reimburse you or the pharmacy provide a money back guarantee lol😂. I’d be planning my 6 month long trip to Alaska right now 😜.

  13. S. Rosalind Kleckley-Mixson | May 30, 2022 at 9:44 am | Reply

    I look forward to the publishing of further research as to which products fight inflammation, cancer and which ones we should avoid. And, I hope I get to see the research. May God bless your research in Jesus’ Holy Name.

  14. Coverup for the vax

  15. Doesn’t cause cancer haha. It’s all a cover-up for the vaccine side effects.

  16. I also have a rash / eczema type patch’s that’s come out of no where. I’ve been taking ibuprofen/ naproxen for about a year as needed after car accident
    I recently stopped taking on my own… reading up that it’s not safe to take prolonged don’t know why I doctor would prescribe so long.

  17. There are as mamy factors involved as there are individual people. I wish there were some way to speed up the process for testing and identifying what NSAIDS work on individual conditions and people.

  18. Prof. Ganesh R | May 30, 2022 at 10:24 am | Reply

    Does occasional use of Ibuprofen has the same effect as described in this article?

  19. Different people have different reactions. Anything is possible. For what It’s worth, I had horrible headaches which I thought were migraines. Found out they were from my spine being out of alignment. Seeing a good chiropractor made them go away.

    • Anyone else have severe chest pain when taking Motrin or aleve? I feel like I am having a heart attack when I take them!

  20. This is how people will be able to extend their lives up to and beyond 100 years when scientists are able to eliminate dementia and Alzheimers disease.

  21. Deborah H Page | May 30, 2022 at 11:35 am | Reply

    I was on indocin and taken off it after several months because it was damaging my kidneys. Have they researched that?

    • 💯 correct. My sister was taking Motrin as directed, but it was around-the-clock for a few months, to help with pre-surgery back/nerve pain. Her kidneys nearly shut down. Major lower extremity swelling w/all other classic symptoms of renal failure. Kidney MD stated she came in to see him in the Nick of time, or damages would have been irreversible. So, “as needed”, is really a lie. It’s “occasional, high doses, and not more than 72 hours, per a Renal MD. (High doses = 800 mg 2X a day).
      Plus…..this article is REALLY lacking in full and complete info about NSAID’s. Poorly written, and a waste of time to a non- medical reader.

  22. My doctor prescribed otc Advil liquid gels and all it did was make my penis ginormous. When I went back and told him, I later walked by their breakroom and he and the rest of the doctors were all pounding bottles of Advil liquid gels.

  23. A. Mersino, yes they can be linked. I’m allergic and so is my mother to Ibuprofen. It causes swelling inside and bleeding. Can be possible with any ANSAIDS for allergic reactions.

  24. This is for Gena. Ibuprofen also caused significant tinnitus for me – which stopped when I stopped Ibuprofen. I also have osteoarthritis. I can tolerate occasional naproxin, but even too much of that will start a milder ringing. So I avoid pain killers generally, do yoga, and changed my diet on the advice of a holistic practioner (whom I visited for 3 problems – chronic cough, arthritis & gastrointestinal issues – that are now MUCH better).

  25. I have a degenerated hip, and my doctor prescribed 800mg Ibuprofen. I started taking 2 (1600mg) in the morning, and 2 in the evening. After a couple of months, I got edema in both my legs which told me they were affecting (or assisting the cause of congestive heart failure) my heart. I read about them online, and THEY DO AFFECT HEART FUNCTION! My doctor never told me that!! It led me to understand that the medical profession ASSISTS the end of life processes. OR I have a jacked-up doctor.

  26. Benjamin Feely | May 30, 2022 at 1:26 pm | Reply

    I used to take ibuprofen chronically for a herniated disc problem that I had a previous surgery on. I read an article on recent study on NSAID use for chronic pain and the link that NSAIDS can actually contribute to the chronic pain experienced. I completely stopped using ibuprofen and used acetaminophen/Tylenol for any pain I may have. The level of pain has decreased substantially since stopping ibuprofen use. And I’ve taken ibuprofen for several decades. Don’t know for sure about NSAID effects causing further chronic pain issues, but I don’t take them anymore and I experience much less chronic pain.

  27. To Christina, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease years ago and do not drink or do street drugs. Assumed it was just simply because I’m fat. According to this article that may not be the case at all. I’ve taken every kind of OTC and prescription meds for chronic pain due to failed spinal surgery & arthritis. Have developed an intolerance towards most NSAIDs. I too will be looking into this further

  28. Senior Citizen | May 30, 2022 at 2:04 pm | Reply

    Ibuprofen caused me to break out in large, lozenge shaped blisters that looked like boulose pemphagoid (excuse spelling) on my trunk and upper arms. I stopped using ibuprofen and I never got another blister. Aleve is okay.

  29. I have severe asthma and allergies, this article has given me new hope that maybe one day I can take aspirin without adverse reactions.

  30. I’ll take your research in anyone’s name, except maybe Trumpp’s.

  31. I have taken 2 regular asprin a day for 39 years because of a stoke I had at 26. I have has no side effects at all.

  32. To the poster about the fatty liver. You should check with a hepatologist. My husband’s doc told him NO ibuprofen. He had cirrhosis for 50 years and was taking it when his liver failed. Thank God he now has a newiver. Buy they still tell him NO ibuprofen.

  33. Rosea is just a medical term to describe the red dots associated with rash….I would say, it’s very likely excess use of Aleve or naproxen is associated with this dermatologic response

  34. Brian da man – Totally happened to me to, I was having a reaction to a med, I Googled it, still wasn’t satisfied that was the issue, called my Dr office, she was out but the mid level (phy assistant) called me back & read me word for word what me & my hubby were looking at on WebMD.

  35. I’m sure the physicians’ office did not Google the condition. There are specific web resources that Doctor’s offices use, which is a great use of expanding technologies. The doctor searching databases is not the same as Joe Schmoe typing it into a search box – no worries!

  36. Here’s a CRAZY concept! What if you told us about all the foods we could eat that do the same things as all these pills you’re trying to destroy our livers and kidneys with??
    HEALTHIER DIETARY PRACTICES…Now THERE’S an idea

  37. Appreciate this reporting. Thanks!

  38. I eat ibupropen like. all the time. It beats being on narcotic pain meds for .y degenerative spine issues. I have no issues from nsaids. Omg people are such cry babies.

  39. ibupropen, Tylenol, and similar OTC “pain medications” do absolutely NOTHING for any kind of real, serious, pain. The only kind of “pain” they help with is either pain that is so mild it’s basically unnoticeable and doesn’t bother most people, or pain that doesn’t even really exist it’s just all in your head.

  40. Did they find the aspirin receptor yet?

  41. For those out there suffering from chronic pains…I use a kratom product called Super K Extract Shot. Provides 6 doses in 1 bottle. 1 bottle a day keeps my pain away. I am a 10 year pro Wrestler whom was addicted to opioids for years, thanks to kratom I have been opiod free for 3 years. It provides relief from nerve pain. Aside from tooth pain, kratom saved my life & is all natural.
    Bonuses: Pain reliever, mood enhancer, stress reliever, incresed focus, plus boosts the immune system by fighting gut bacteria.
    I haven’t been sick once. Not even in the age of covid. Also cleared my allergies. No benadryl since either.
    Super K. Thank me later

  42. Earl Fertmaker | May 30, 2022 at 11:31 pm | Reply

    I was prescribed Aleve for my dislocated hang nail prior to removing it with toenail clippers. My doctor said that my farts smell like poop. Is this from nsaids?

  43. Mary Lockhart-smith | May 31, 2022 at 1:57 am | Reply

    Nsaids make my stomach bleed! another study to sugar coat taking medicine that doesn’t help with pain. let’s stop with this “fake opioid crisis”.

    • I agree with the stomach damage – my husband developed a chemical ulcer from taking advil for his back injury for so many years, but I can assure you that the “Opioid Crisis” is VERY REAL! I see many family and friends that are physically addicted because of over-priscribing of Opioids, including my 76-year-old mother-in-law, who I take care of as a home health aid. She’s had to be given Narcan on multiple occasions while in a nursing home because of over-medicating, which is why she is now home with me and my husband.
      Have you ever considered medical marijuana for your pain? My husband and I just started using it this year for our chronic pain, and we’re successfully treating my mother-in-law for her pain, and weaning her off of Opioids after over 40 years of being addicted to them.

  44. A. Mersino – I don’t have an answer for your specific question, but I occasionally take Aleve for my Rheumatoid arthritis- it’s actually the only NSAID that gives me real relief from joint pain – but when I take it for more than 3 consecutive days, every 12 hours, I get canker sores throughout my mouth. They go away as soon as I stop taking it.

  45. I have used o t c ibuprofen 4 the better part of 30 years for spinal stenosis and other back related issues. I’ve tried other NSAIDs before, but I found ibuprofen to be the only one that is in any way effective. I too wonder sometimes if as a result of taking ibuprofen for so long, does this somehow contribute to my excessive weight, even though I do work out pretty regularly I can’t do cardio or other running exercises like I once did. I’d be curious to know if somehow ibuprofen affect that.

  46. I take ibuprofen as needed. Hello to everyone. Hope your doing well ☺️

  47. Taking too many NSAIDS over a long oeriod of time can cause kidney disease.

    • Drinking too much water all at once will kill you as well. Dosing is important, as well as frequency of use.

  48. Has anyone noticed sweating when taking ibuprofen? I work production and when I get home I’m always a bit sore from standing on feet. I take 4 200mg of ibuprofen and I sweat really bad during my sleep. If I don’t take it I do not sweat.

  49. Gena, Dr. Alan Mandel talking about tinnitus is on YouTube. Showing how to get rid of it.

  50. Genetic factors, knowing your family’s medical history how it may correlate to you can be important and to pass down. I try to sensitive as possible when discussing this, I found that many do not have access to this information whether due to loss of parents or grandparents an early age, if one was adopted that have not done genetic testing to find relatives for whatever reason.
    In my experience it has really helped identify medical conditions family members had or have and comparing some of it. Adverse reactions of ibuprofen can increase blood pressure, especially those with a history of hypertension which causes more inflammation when taken, leads to swelling and fluid (causes weight gain/water weight) that can be very serious. Consult with doctor about adverse reactions for feedback. Eating leafy dark green vegetables, organic foods that naturally have anti inflammatory can decrease the adverse reaction too, I use both. Dye free helps too, will keep in mind re: adverse reaction hives
    not a MD. these help inform support others.

  51. Why is it that some cant see what these poisonous n toxic so called script meds from a dr that more than not dont even truly care about anyone , the oatients they see every 10-15min in room n gone in minutes to the nx only sees Dollar signs , the more patients seen means more insurance payments comeing to keep filling up the bamk accounts n be living a high life woohoo due to mind nbed n brain washed ppl eho beleive that these drs really do give a crap about u as a person and wellbeing…..this is not true for all drs, there are somw who do do what they do for the right reasons and want to help u bw well n healthy….not jus wroting one 50scfipitameds n tell one that they ha e.+100 different DX n mental pronlems , cus they trying to promote new poison these screipt reps come in and n inform the dr of what med it is and what ailement is for and dr chosses to say pk or not n experiment new med on the patient guinea pigs that can be in that caregory for that nee tocic man made pousion that all designed yo do is keep us sick and hv effects that u hv to take two kore meds to compensate for the bad.sifw effects from ine script given …..HERBS PPL , NATURAL FROM THE EARTH NON MAN MADE NOT TAMPERED W NO CHEMICALS TO HARM N POSIKN THE BODY OVER TIME SO THAT U GET MORE SICKENING SCRIPTS N BELIEVE U HABE A FILE FULL OF ALL HEALTH N MENTAL PROBLEMS N SO BAD.OFF WEN IN SOME CASES ITS ALL JUS A FROCK OF BULL**** N UR HVN ALL THE MEDICAL PROBLEMS CUS U DOPED UP W A.LL THE TOXIC CHICALS FROM THE POISON PILLS U TAKE OVER TIME ANYTHING WE CONSUME LIQUID OR FOOD THAT IS NIT NATURAL AND BEEN CHEMICALLY N HUMAN TAMPERED WITH IS DETRIMENTAL TO HAN TOTAL WELL BEIMG THE ANIMALS ARENT EVEN SAFE FOR US TO CONSUME THEY ARE SH*T UP W STEROIDS N INJECTION THAT MAKE THEM BULK UP PREMATURELY SO THAT ITS APPEALING TO THE EYE IN A STORE N SLAUTERED IN SUCH INHUMANE N TRAUMATIC WAYS THAT THE ADRENALINE THAT SHOOTS OUT INTO THEIR BODIES AFFECT US ALSO WAKE UP PEOPLE STOP TAKING ALL THESE D*** PILLS AND OH WHAT WAS ME I GOT MENTAL PROBLEMS I GOT THIS I GOT OCD I GOT BIPOLAR OH MAN WHAT WAS ME YEAH YOU’RE GOING TO BE SICK AS YOU TELL YOURSELF YOU ARE AND JUST BECAUSE THE PERSON HAS A DOCTORATE YOU KNOW AND IS A DOCTOR DOES NOT MEAN DID THEY HAVE YOUR WELL-BEING AND WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR HEALTH IN THEIR AGENDA THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS FOR MOST PART IN THE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN OUT THERE THAT ACTUALLY DO CARE ABOUT US PEOPLE BUT NO BIG PHARMA I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU THINK THAT THAT IS A BILLION DOLLAR EVIL AND GREEDY BUSINESS HELLO WAKE UP PEOPLE

    • Natural isn’t inherently good for the human body. Nightshade is perfectly natural and quite lethal to humans. The pharmaceutical industry is messed up for sure, but most people selling alternative medicine are about as upstanding as the average pharmaceutical rep.

  52. I have bad reactions to all NSAIDS. Highly allergic to aspirin as well. Medical Marijuana has been a life saver. The topical creams are amazing! And no bad reactions!

  53. “Some NSAIDS prevent heart disease” – sure would have been nice for you to LIST THEM. Yeesh.

  54. Charlene mims | May 31, 2022 at 8:00 pm | Reply

    I took ibuprofen and it ate a whole in my intenisnts and made a ulcer rupster

  55. Robert Loveless | May 31, 2022 at 10:05 pm | Reply

    my family refers to ONE standard Tylenol plus ONE Standard Excedrin.

  56. You people are idiots. Just take the meds. It’s fine. You’re a fatty because you eat too much. You have fatty liver because you eat too much.

  57. Zecharia Gilbert | June 1, 2022 at 3:44 pm | Reply

    Ibuprofen destroyed my kidneys. We need to stop hailing them as the next coming. They are not candy and need to be used with extreme caution. I, as a kid had migraines, and the doctors recommended ibuprofen. I popped them daily. Thought there’d be no harm, until I got blood tests done showering my kidneys functioning at 50%. Not to mention all three stomach ulcers and issues I have now.

  58. In other words, they don’t have a clue how they actually work…

  59. Sonya Johnson | June 1, 2022 at 6:44 pm | Reply

    What about celebrex? Is it ok to take? Ibuprofen tears my stomach apart. I’m gonna explain what it does to me. Just me. Ok. Yes. Ibuprofen is for inflammation and it does help with that. Good for headache and all sorts of things. When I take on the everyday cycle it causes my stomach to start cramping. When I burp it smells like poop. Seriously. A very nasty taste as well. I throw up usually every bout of it. Stomach cramps bad. And diarrhea. And it only happens when taking ibuprofen. Makes me miserable for 3 days. Can anyone explain if that sounds right?

    • This actually sounds very familiar to an another incidence. The stomach isn’t emptying it’s contents into your upper GI tract. In the case I know about, it was due to food intolerances. Your GI tract gets inflamed and doesn’t function properly.. all that inflammation backs things up to the point where the contents in your stomach can’t pass through. So you throw up and, yes, even poop can come back out that way. Diarrhea creates gas, so just because you have that in your lower colon, the upper tract can still be backed up. I’d guess how that relates to the ibuprofen would be the inflammation.. but I’d still see a gastroenterologist. I doubt the ibuprofen is doing it all itself – rather, it’s the last straw.

  60. Joy Vitiritti | June 1, 2022 at 9:48 pm | Reply

    I almost died from having a quarter size whole in my stomach from ibuprofen powder packs. I had 15 minutes to live when I arrived in the emergency room. I have 3 layers of hernia mesh sewn into my abdominal wall, a huge scar up and down the whole stomach and abdominal area of my body. 2 years of Horror because of ibuprofen. Very dangerous

  61. The story is so poorly written. Every paragraph is basically the previous paragraph rewritten with exception to two or three paragraphs in the entire story. Where is the editor? It’s a word salad at best. It’s fluff. What do we get out of this? Basically some NSA IDs trigger nrf2, we don’t know what nrf2 effects yet, but that’s it. That’s the whole story. I hate reading crap like this. This is what happens when schools back off on requiring more English studies.

  62. For those experiencing symptoms of on going headaches and rashes etc.
    I too had rash lots of headaches and etc for years.
    It’s complicated. Seek a good Naturopathic MD or do research if you can’t afford one.
    Stop eating inflammatory and disease causing ingredients. Don’t buy anything with more then 5 ingredients on the label.
    All my food sensitivities and allergy and rashes are gone.
    It’s not convenient. But it will reverse the disease process you are in.

  63. Rick Lamanen | June 2, 2022 at 7:21 am | Reply

    I took a 50ct bottle of each a week for decades n still take at least 10 a piece everyday. Still have pain thru out, but it gets me by… barely some days.

  64. Headache girl | June 2, 2022 at 8:38 am | Reply

    When I was a kid maybe around toddler age I was given aspirin and I broke out in hives all over. This is what I was told. Now one day at about the age of 40 I had a bad headache that I got and do still get them now at 45 and my whole life pretty much. I took aspirin because I didn’t have anything else and it was hurting really bad so I took the aspirin.. no hives.. i still take aspirin from time to time if there is nothing else and no hives again yet

  65. Ibuprofen gets me swollen. My throat and body get swollen. Aspirin hurts your gut. Trust me I know by experience. Now I have gastrointestinal problems because of these so called meds. I recommend you don’t go out taking them.

  66. I took different NSAIDs for 5/6 years prescribed by my injury Doctor. I was also having extreme leg swelling to the point I had to buy the largest men’s compression socks and I am female.
    The Dr. did not know what was causing it.
    After googling the medications I quit taking it and within 2 weeks my swelling went away and has not come back and I no longer take Nsaids

  67. You can always email the author of the study directly at their institution to ask for a copy of their study. They do not make any money from the study being behind a pay wall and most are very excited to share their work with those who are interested.

  68. Marty Mathison | June 3, 2022 at 6:48 am | Reply

    Turbo for your body longer-term use of ibuprofen actually narrows the blood vessels the world health organization is fully aware of this they don’t care they’re just trying to thin us out

  69. @Cmbarnett:
    Okay. First and foremost, most of your points are valid and research proven. For the most part. I agree with nearly everything you said about doctors, big pharma and the money. I do know and firmly believe with big pharma, every customer cured is a customer lost. So of course they just want to keep causing more harm for you to keep running back to the various medical offices, that are out there, for every crazy condition. However, if you want to sound so smart and knowledgeable, PLEASE, for the love of God, use spell check before posting your comment/rants. Honestly-when you used all capitalized letters, you did a lot better. Seriously though, spelling, correct grammar use and punctuation go a long way in making you sound more knowledgeable.
    The more you know? Right?
    Digest THAT Food for thought…

  70. Christina Morris | June 3, 2022 at 7:09 am | Reply

    I have been taking ibuprofen for over 10 years for my chronic pain and was recently switched to naproxen. I have allergies and asthma, both were magically under control this last year as I was faithfully taking 800mgs ibuprofen. As soon as I switched, my rescue inhaler is used daily! I have infections in both eyes from allergies and my dry eye syndrome. THANK YOU! I’m switching back to ibuprofen!!

  71. James k holland, RPh | June 3, 2022 at 7:17 am | Reply

    Did not even go into the fact that indomethacin has potent antiviral properties against SARS cov1 That was totally unexpected google study. I believe it is an effective treatment for COVID-19 and should be studied further.

  72. Don’t overlook the terrible side effect of tinnitus they cause.It is incurable, and can be so bad, it can make you suicidal

  73. Annalyn Corbin | June 3, 2022 at 9:18 am | Reply

    I take NSAIDS for pain, low back and sciatic, none of them help. I take every night. I’ve gone to using cbd products..

  74. This article is unreal. It took FOUR full screen scrolls to get to anything of substance.

    They should go into creative writing instead. This whole thing could’ve been written in ONE paragraph.

    I get that SEO rules demand filler content but man… At this point it just becomes unusable.

  75. Repeated the first paragraph 4 x’s and still no conclusion

  76. Anyway, does that justify random use of these NSAID’s?
    Or we have to stay on safe side and keep using food that has antinflamantory effect as tumeric, garlic, ginger ….??

  77. Not ONE person on here (that I noticed, maybe I missed some comments) has mentioned the fact that you can easily have your pharmacist remove the acetaminophen from your pain meds. My husband gets straight oxcycodone instead to help avoid kidney/liver problems down the road. DARVOCET definitely killed my father with kidney failure after years of taking them and my mother also took them and hydrocodone for years and just died May 13, 8 days after being diagnosed with a mass on her left kidney. Neither parent has any kidney disease on either side of their families. Have that extra stuff taken out, folks. If you can live without it. No pun intended.!

  78. Amy E Butler | June 4, 2022 at 5:02 am | Reply

    Not ONE person on here (that I noticed, maybe I missed some comments) has mentioned the fact that you can easily have your pharmacist remove the acetaminophen from your pain meds. My husband gets straight oxcycodone instead to help avoid kidney/liver problems down the road. DARVOCET definitely killed my father with kidney failure after years of taking them and my mother also took them and hydrocodone for years and just died May 13, 8 days after being diagnosed with a mass on her left kidney. Neither parent has any kidney disease on either side of their families. Have that extra stuff taken out, folks. If you can live without it. No pun intended.

  79. Jeanne Caldwell | June 4, 2022 at 6:54 am | Reply

    Personally, Naproxen and Spironolactin combo caused ongoing hematuria (11 months) until reading an article in a Mayo docs office magazine informed me. Bactrim caused elevated liver enzymes on another occasion. NAC (N Acetyl Cysteine) corrected and maintained healing going on 15 years now.

  80. I have a good friend who was a pharmacist. Over the years he saw so many Damaging side effects from nsaids that he quit the drug business and started his own company making more healthful alternative antiinflammatory nutritional supplements. Then he started a campaign to educate people on how to stop their inflammatory lifestyle and adopt anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle.
    He himself would not even take an aspirin,or any drug, as he had seen severe Ill effects from even common aspirin.
    He said the best remedy for a headache was to simply drink water.
    I used to have reccuring headaches, for which I took different nsaids. So I quit taking the drugs and started drinking water and the headaches went away permanently. Drugs only suppress symptoms, they generally don’t get at the cause of a problem. There is no cure apart from removing cause. Nsaids don’t remove the cause of arthritis. That is; a diet high in sugar, soda pop with the added phosphoric acid and too many foods with a uric acid end product. Mankind’s natural diet is alkaline. But modern standard american diet is acid producing. Dr. Pearlmutter has some excellent recent videos explaining all this.
    I personally was able to reverse severe arthritis through diet, exercise, fasting , and better sleep habits. I also started drinking more water and less sweet drinks.
    Healing intelligence is in the DNA of every cell of the body. But to heal you have to consciously do your part. Getting off the drugs and onto a healthful lifestyle is step #1!
    At age 68 I am climbing Colorado mountains. I was crippled with arthritis in my late 50’s. Nsaids gave me temporary relief but made my arthritis worse after the effect wore off. I quit them cold turkey.

  81. Chris Nalepa | June 4, 2022 at 6:34 pm | Reply

    Took ibuprofen for pain relief when suffering from graves/hyperthyroid. I was suffering from depression. It helped elevate my mood somewhat. Wonder why psychological effects such as this are not included in the article. This is a lesser known effect of some NSAIDS. Would be nice to know the mechanism taking place in this instance.

  82. I started on ibuprofen (2400mg daily) around age 16 because of chronic back problems after having scoliosis surgery at age 12. I also was born with ankylosing spondylitis and developed other types of arthritis over the years in my knees, shoulders, hips, fingers and toes. Over the years I’ve managed to come down to 600mg most days but on rare occasion I may need up 1800mg to ease the pains. I have several heart problems that aren’t affected by the ibuprofen. I can’t take aspirin due to it causes severe migraines for me.

  83. Mileyka M Mcafee | June 4, 2022 at 9:25 pm | Reply

    I can’t take narcotics due to allergies but I took some Naproxen in the pass for my shoulder pain.

  84. Idiopathic intestinal is chemical attributed to NSAIDs. Add arthritic pain and Tylenol is now my only friend.

  85. Oh well this is most likely why I’ve got so many more health problems going on now …
    I’ve only been taking 4- 8 dollar store brand, 200mg ibuprofen a day EVERYDAY for about 8 years now…and now I have (everyday now) worse ; shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain ( and all of these problems only getting more frequent and more severe everyday)… Arthritis, …(I think) carpal tunnel now, …constant headaches, stomach problems, stomach pain/nausea every single day, …OMG…just EVERYTHING …I’ve just turned 38 in May and I feel like…🤒😷🤢🤮 All the time now…😕…im just soooo tired of hurting and being in pain all the time, guess I’m going to discontinue those now, and just… continue to be in pain till I finally croak,😕

    • It’s terrifying when we have these revelations. Awareness is the first step to change. Detox isn’t a fast process, but once you stop loading your body with poison, it will start to do its job and clear it out.
      I highly recommend soaking in a bath with bentonite clay. I find that it draws out toxins powerfully. You can research how to support your body’s detoxification pathways. For me, it’s been, and continues to be, a long journey of recording what I eat and do, and analyzing the patterns of my symptoms. Trust your intuition 🙂 praying for ya <3

  86. I wonder if this is the reason that some pain patients say they feel better after stopping opiates.

  87. Oh well we are all history. Would you rather slog thru what’s left of your life with pain all the time or take some Advil and get back to work.

  88. Nsaids are ridiculously dangerous, and completely unnecessary. There are natural pain relievers, and opiates if necessary. Nsaids cause a host of health problems in virtually everyone who uses them, and the latest research had realized they are even the CAUSE of many peoples chronic pain. Doctors leaving people on these dangerous drugs for decades sometimes…… Should be a crime

  89. They’re really pushing otc nsaids as cure all’s it’s a modern day snake oil and it’s irresponsible. Over the past 16 years I’ve had doctors tell me to take it every 4 hours for several different problems and it doesn’t do a thing but cause stomach problems and since everyone is so scared of opioid addiction it makes it impossible to get the drugs that actually do work. No doctors mention all the stomach problems you’re garunteed to get from taking this every 4 hours for over a decade and then they tell you despite the side effects and it not actually helping to continue to take it because basically that’s all you’re getting and they send you to specialist to give you different meds to take care of the issues it causes. I have a brain tumor, sciatica, rhumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, migraines and cervical cancer and honestly this is a joke treatment at best and gross medical neglect at worst. I don’t even have to take opiods all the time a bottle last me until it expires because I only take it when I absolutely can’t take the pain anymore because I don’t know when I’ll be able to get more. Over the past 16 years I’ve probably taken 190 opiod pills all together but doing the math I’ve taken over 35,000 useless otc nsaids that have only caused more issues and it’s costed me thousands of dollars.

  90. Baby Aspen or light dose 10mg good for headaches

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