Can i take...

[Josie2]

Neurofen while taking Hydroxy?

Am only taking hydroxy twice a day as this is what consultant has now prescribed.

Cant have another steroid and consultant said either paracetemol or those creams you can rub in ie ibuleve. Paracetomol and creams just dont work at all, not even taking the edge off.

Have only just started hydroxy since coming off leflunomide and am now flaring in both shoulders, badly in my left wrist, toes and now this morning my knuckles are starting boohoo.

Have tried reading leaflet for tablets but am rubbish working out what i can and cant take.

Thanks

Jo

Xxx

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Jo I haven't got a 100% answer - you need to check with your rheumy or GP. However you may find that they recommend a stronger NSAID (Neurofen is one of those) e.g. Naproxen. Pain relief should be part of the package prescribed by your rheumy - that way your mind will be at rest & he/she will have an overview on ALL your meds. If I were you I'd contact the Rheumy dept. (either directly or thru' GP) & let them know that your current pain meds are not doing the job. Prescribing something more suitable should not be a big deal.

Luce x

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My GP said those gels are too localised for use for serious pain and also said you can't actually tell how much you are absorbing either? Have you got any Naproxen? If not Ibuprofen is just good - just have to take one more a day than Naproxen but you should take it with Omaprozole to make sure your stomach is protected or failing that use the gel/ liquid ones or the coated ones which are gentler on the stomach.

It's it's best to take it regularly so it gets on top of the inflammation. You could take Co-codimol or just paracetamol alongside the Ibuprofen. Check with your pharmacist if in doubt because you don't want to overdose of course but it would be good to take anti-inflammatories until the Hydoxichloraquine works - which I think is about 12 weeks - so not any time too soon so pain relief is important too. Hope you feel better soon. Tilda x

[Josie2]

I do have naproxen but not my prescription lol! Mum takes them and gets them on prescription free and told me to try them but wasnt sure i could.

Do you think it would be ok to take them Tilda? I know you are not suppose to take anyone elses meds but could try them until i can ring rheumy nurse.

I also have Neurofen gel capsules, the red ones if they are better?

Sorry im useless with meds and hence reluctant to take them incase i overdose lol.

Thanks

Jo

Xxxx

[Hidden]

I would stick to the Neurofen for today Josie as there isn't much in it really. Then phone your GP tomorrow and make an appointment to discuss pain meds. If necessary have a phone consultation with him or her to clarify what you should take. You will be fine with Ibuprofen today and take some paracetamol too - I think you should leave about 30 mins between taking the Ibuprofen and the paracetamol and be careful to stick to the doses stated on the packets. Don't fret about these please because they are over the counter and as long as you stick to max doses stated on the packets you cant go wrong. Neither Paracetamol nor Ibuprofen clashes with the Hydroxy but don't take your mum's Naproxen unless you get prescribed it by your own GP. Hope this helps. Tilda x

[Josie2]

Thanks Tilda i'll stick to my neurofen for now and then either ring rheumy nurses or go to gp.

Many thanks

Jo

Xxxxxx

[earthwitch]

Its a different type of drug to Hydroxy, so yes, if you aren't already taking any other NSAIDs it should be OK to take Nurofen as long as you haven't been advised to avoid them for other reasons..

If you want to be safe, then just take the over-the-counter dose of them. Prescribed doses can be quite a lot higher. I think the otc dose is one or two 200 mg tablets up to a total of 1200 mg a day (thats either three 400 mg doses, or you could take 200 mg every four hours).

If you do use your mothers supply, make sure you know what strength they are. The ones you buy are usually 200mg and the ones that are prescribed are usually 400 mg.

I used to find that by taking ibuprofen (nurofen) every six hours and taking paracetamol half way between the ibuprofen dose seemed to make both things work a bit better and have more effect.

[Josie2]

Thanks earthwitch

Im going to stick to neurofen for now and if no improvement will add the paracetemol.

Thank you for the advice of mixing them and the timings, very helpful.

Before ra i only ever took a couple of neurofen for headaches.

[Hidden]

Hi Josie2

It really is best to check with a pharmacist if you are unsure about drug interactions. As the others have suggested, it would also be worth making an appointment with your GP to discuss pain relief and see what they recommend for you.

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS