Can I Take Ibuprofen And Prednisone Together?

Corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of several medical conditions. Prednisone is one of the commonly administered drugs in this genre. It is used for treating autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, various types of allergies and blood related disorders, skin conditions as well as disorders of the immune system. Is it safe to take this corticosteroid with ibuprofen? It is a vital thing to know more on this front.

What is prednisone?

This drug is taken for altering the powers of your immunity. Thus, the key chemicals of prednisone help decrease conditions like inflammation and / or swelling. Due to this capability, this corticosteroid is used for the treatment of swollen joints / arthritic pains, eye conditions, respiratory conditions such as wheezing or panting for breath, etc.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), administered mainly for the treatment of pains, inflammation as well as fever. Active ingredients of this drug inhibit your system from making a few enzymes that promote internal swelling. Owing to this, ibuprofen is used for the treatment of autoimmune conditions like arthritis and toothache, painful muscles, migraines, etc.

Can I take ibuprofen and prednisone together?

Based on your treating doctor’s instructions, these two meds can be taken together. These meds are however prone to trigger a few adverse interactions. The most common discomfort is the formation of ulcers, internal bleeding and bruises. In some people, severely adverse gastric conditions may ensue; these include acute pain stomach, discharge of darkened stools, etc.

This combination must never be taken on your own or through over the counter (OTC) route. As both drugs can enhance the risks of duodenal ulcers, the gastric lining of your abdomen may undergo a serious rupture. When the use of this combinatorial treatment becomes inevitable, a very mild dose of prednisone is used in such cases. The medication plan is often for a very short term. If you have prior stomach conditions or hypersensitivity to either of these meds, your caregiving team may add a proton pump inhibiting drug (PPI).

In order to avoid possible stomach upset, it is a good practice to take these drugs along with meal. Prednisone is known to cause a few side effects; common among them are gasping or other breathing conditions, altered eyesight, mental problems such as mood swings or depression. Long term use of this steroid can cause an acute loss of bone and stunting of normal growth – especially among children.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing effects like diarrhea, gas formation, nausea and acid reflux, it is highly recommended to talk to your treating physician without much delay. Intake of NSAIDs like ibuprofen may increase the stress level on your heart. So, be wary of sudden or a severe pain in the chest region and weakening of muscles. Upon experiencing one or more of these discomforts, seek and avail medical help on an emergency mode.

Long term use of NSAIDs can trigger a few risks of renal dysfunction. These risks are more pronounced among elderly people – chiefly, among those aged 55 years and above. Hence, it is considered a good practice to share details about the meds you are currently consuming. While making a list of all drugs you are presently taking, include over the counter (OTC) drugs, prescription meds, supplements of vitamins, mineral supplements, protein-fortified foods, herbal aids and dietary supplements, if any. Those who plan to take a shot of a vaccine must keep their physician informed of upcoming shot(s).

If you are living in the US, it is highly recommended to dial 911 as quickly as you possible can. As an alternative, you may seek emergency medical support through the helplines of the food and drug administration (FDA). This federal drug clearing agency manages its own helplines to address adverse side effects. On the other hand, if you are a resident of a Canadian province, establish contact with Health Canada or go to a poison control unit.

In sum, ibuprofen and prednisone can be consumed together if your doctor instructs you to. But, never consume this combinatorial treatment as an over the counter option. As these 2 drugs may boost risks of ulcers, doses of prednisone are taken at a moderate level.