What is Brufen (Ibuprofen) used for?

Brufen (Ibuprofen) belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs). It is used to relief pain, fever and reduce inflammation, swelling, redness or soreness.

Brufen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). COX is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins and are therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Please note that Brufen can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, but it will not cure your condition.

Your physician may have prescribed Brufen for another reason. Ask your physician if you have any questions about why Brufen has been prescribed for you.

How should I use Brufen (Ibuprofen)?

Follow all directions given to you by your physician and pharmacist carefully.

Your physician will tell you how many Brufen tablets to take each day and when to take them. Take the exact amount your physician tells you to.

Take Brufen after food with a full glass of water. This may help prevent an upset stomach.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally. Do not take a double dose.

If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your physician or pharmacist for help.

What are the side effects of Brufen (Ibuprofen)?

These side effects are usually mild. Tell your physician if any of the following worry you:

• nausea or vomiting
• loss of appetite
• heartburn or stomach pain
• cramps, wind, constipation or diarrhoea
• headache
• sleepiness
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears or trouble hearing
• sleeplessness
• changes in mood
• blurred vision
• fever, severe chills, or sore throat
• bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual weight gain
• swelling of ankles or legs
• tingling of the hands and feet
• skin redness, itching, swelling, or blistering
• irregular heartbeats

You may need urgent medical attention if you notice any of the serious side effects. They include:

• vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• bleeding from the back passage
• black sticky stools or bloody diarrhoea
• swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath
• sudden or severe itching, skin rash, or hives
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• fever
• stiff neck

Please Note

Do not take Brufen if you have an allergy to Ibuprofen, any of the ingredients in Brufen, aspirin or any other NSAIDs.

Before you start to take Brufen, tell your physician if you:

• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• have (or have previously) vomited blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• are (or have previously) bled from the rectum (back passage)
• have black sticky bowel motions or bloody diarrhoea
• have a condition resulting in an increased tendency to bleed
• have a peptic ulcer (ie stomach or duodenal ulcer)
• have (or have a history of) Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn`s Disease
• have severe heart failure, liver failure, or kidney disease
• are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from pharmacy or health food shop