Ibuprofen use

[Blakekeats27]

I was not told by my retinologist not to take ibuprofen. Is that correct information? What about Tylenol? I have been taking these for knee pain. Should I stop?

[springcross]

Hi Blakekeats27. If that's what your retinologist has told you then don't take it. You could try Googling why as he/she must have good reason to say that.

[thom3patty]

I was never told that in fact they suggested Advil years ago so now I am curious

[Blakekeats27 in reply to thom3patty]

I,m curious too which is the reason for my question.

[Koalajane]

Are you saying your retinologist did not tell you not to take it?

[Blakekeats27 in reply to Koalajane]

He never said anything about it. I read here someone,s opthamologist said not to take ibuprofen. I ,m double checking that advice.

[Miss_Luce]

Ibuprofen can cause inflammation in many individuals, when I take it it gives me stomachaches every single time. My GP told me it can even cause bleeding and ulcers for sensitive people. It should not be taken if you have already high blood pressure, prone to develop blood clots, so I guess if you are on anti-VEGF you don’t want to take more meds that bring the risk of developing blood clots. But I am not a doctor so don’t take my words, ask your doctor !!! Paracetamol is my go to over the counter pain killer.

[Pidgy in reply to Miss_Luce]

I asked my Doctor when I had my injection and he told me Advil was okay to take for pain. He said it has not proven to be a negative for macular patient.

[Koalajane]

I don’t take it because I am already on a drug called prednisolone which should not be taken with ibuprofen due to stomach issues. Prednisolone is an anti inflammatory drug and my opthamologist knows I am on it

[princess1931]

I stopped taking Ibuprofen because I am Asthmatic. I took it for pain relief due to chronic arthritis but it seemed to aggravate the condition even though it is classed as an anti inflamatory.Asthmatics usually can't tolerate it because it can precipitate an asthma attack.However, we are not a medically one size fits all people so it is a case of trying it to see if it works. I have not heard of it i n the context of causing a bleed in the eye but it does sound logical. Take care and best wishes

[StokeySue]

Ibuprofen is on of a group of anti-inflammatory pain killers, including naproxen and aspirin that can reduce blood clotting, so in theory at least they could have an effect on retinal bleeding. However, as far as I know, the suggestion is only theoretical, I take it occasionally and have not been told to avoid it.

Tylenol, also called paracetamol or acetaminophen , works in an entirely different way, and is sometimes recommended for pain related to ophthalmic treatments. Follow the instructions though, too much isn’t good for you

[Becky_MacularSociety Partner]

Good Morning Blakekeats27,

We cannot go against advice your own drs, if your dr has advised against taking a certain medication, then you should stop.

If you have questions about another medication, this should also be directed at your retinologist

We cannot answer this question for you, as dr's take your personal medical needs into account which will differ from someone else's

All tjhe best

Becky