pmr pain

[43086]

Is it ok to take ibuprofen for shoulder pain from pmr

[PMRpro Ambassador]

In my reply about Aleve I said NSAIDs shouldn't be used - ibuprofen is an NSAID,

Paracetamol and co-codamol are OK in small amounts but as I said before, no ordinary pain killers are very effective in PMR. Discuss your pred dose with your doctor if it isn't helping properly - although you will get some pain even with a higher dose of pred.

Here is a list of the NSAIDs that you should NOT take:

"In Europe, the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs are:

diclofenac

ibuprofen

naproxen

celecoxib

mefenamic acid

etoricoxib

indometacin

aspirin (in doses greater than 600mg)

Most of the NSAIDs listed above are generic medicines. This means that their production and distribution is not limited to a single company. Therefore, they are available under a range of different brand names and are cheaper to buy.

Some NSAIDs are available over the counter for short-term use only, without the need for a prescription. These NSAIDs include aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen.

However, because a medication is available over the counter it does not mean it's safe or suitable for everyone. Again, it's important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication."

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Same answer as for your previous question I'm afraid, ibuprofen is also a NSAID so shouldn't be taken with steroids. If you are still getting shoulder pain then I would suggest your dose is not high enough. I am prescribed Co-Codamol for my OA affected knee, but you can't buy that OTC.

You really need to speak to Dr, in the meanwhile you could try paracetamol - it may be strong enough to diffuse the pain to a manageable level.

[Sallyaches]

Ibruprofen is hard on your stomach and not a good idea with the prednisilone. I was advised to take regular ( 8 500mg tablets) a day. I think it is a bit more effective when taken regularly and it is safe. When you see your G.P. You can at least say you have tried this and move on from there.

Personally once the prednisilone was at the correct dose for me I found the pain disappeared if I am at rest .

Hope this helps.

I find if in doubt ask a pharmacist and carry your prescription sheet so they know what you are taking.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sallyaches]

I'm far from sure I'd say ibuprofen was 100% safe! One lady with PMR was told by her GP to take ibuprofen as the start - after 3 doses she was in A&E with a coffee grounds gastric bleed! I'd use the occasional dose for a headache but I'd not want to take it regularly to deal with PMR - I did use it a bit in the early pre-pred days and it did nothing for PMR pain.

[Hidden in reply to Sallyaches]

Hi Sallyaches,

Is the 8 x 500 mg tablets you are referring to Paracetamol? Ibuprofen comes in 200mg and 400mg tablets and the most you would take over the counter would be 3 x 400mg in a day. ( although you can, under GP direction, have as much as 3 x 600mg a day ).

4000mg of Ibuprofen would be a dangerous amount to take.

Unfortunately no medication is 100% safe.

[Sallyaches in reply to Hidden]

Yes I did mean paracetamol , is there anyway of taking my previous post down as it is very bad advice. I managed to somehow edit the phrase ''of paracetamol ', out of the sentence . No more e-mailing in front of the T.V. I promise.

Apologies for being an idiot.

[Hidden in reply to Sallyaches]

You aren't an idiot but I am a pedant!

I think you can edit the post.