Is Ibuprofen safe to take with Prednisolone?

[Washingup]

I am currently on 15mg of Prednisolone, but I have a bad sprain on my foot which means unable to walk without bad pain. Although Pred manages my PMR pain, it does nothing for my foot pain. I feel Ibuprofen is the only way to reduce inflammation and pain, but read that it shouldn't be taken while taking pred. Has anyone else had this problem?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You can take it short term just making sure stomach is well protected -that’s the main reason why both shouldn’t be taken together. If you use ibuprofen gel is doesn’t cause so much of a problem.

Have you tried the RICE approach -

RICE

As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Rest and protect the injured or sore area.

[Washingup in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. I am on Omeprazole which should help with stomach protection, so will take ibuprofen for today while I have to go out and tomorrow will use RICE. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My rheumatologist (one of the really good ones) tells me to use ibuprofen for some of the acute pain I have which pred and paracetamol doesn't touch. Under his instruction I take an 800mg flooding dose which usually lasts for me for the best part of the day, sometimes longer, and is how ibuprofen should be used. If I need more relief I find adding paracetamol or tramadol increases the effect in combination but rarely on ther own. Last time I had a really bad episode he said to take the ibuprofen daily for 2 weeks PROVIDED I also took a PPI. Since you already are on omeprazole you should be fine to use it for a few days or more.

[Washingup in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. I will take note of your comments which make me feel better about taking ibuprofen. 😊

[AshPen9 in reply to PMRpro]

After dental implant work last week they gave my OH antibiotics and ibuprofen. He misread the instructions and took 2 x 400mg Ibuprofen instead of 2 x 200mg. I was panic stricken until I remembered your reference a couple of times to an 800mg flooding dose, and then I thought well it must be safe. So thanks for that PMRpro. Made him promise not to go near them until the following day! This forum is helpful in so many ways.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AshPen9]

You can take up to 3200mg a day!

The whole point is that the drug was developed to start with this flooding dose but when it was decided to make it OTC the dose was made 200mg and 1200mg max per day. The company was furious - because it simply isn't enough to get a good result. If you take 800mg as the flooding dose but aren't under the doctor, it still makes for a better result and you still have 400mg to take later. I often find the 800mg dose lasts nearly 24 hours and has worked really well, better than taking the same amount as 400mg doses, You can also take paracetamol alongside it - and it works better than either alone.

nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-...

[AshPen9 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro, another nugget of info. Maybe everyone over 65 should undergo a short course in pharmaceuticals in order to prepare us for the future?! Goodness knows a lot of us have need of some knowledge.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AshPen9]

Some GPs could do with it too!

[piglette]

As the others say Ibuprofen can be used for acute problems along with stomach protection. It is using it for a longer term that is not a good idea.

[Washingup in reply to piglette]

Thank you for your comment. Feel easier about taking ibuprofen on a short term basis.

[piglette in reply to Washingup]

Look after yourself.

[Grammy80]

I can only echo the advice of others , no NSAIDS long term. When I was diagnosed with GCA a 'not so great rheumy' put me on a full aspirin along with my pred to avoid a stroke. In seven months my kidney function went from 62 to 37, the damage was attributed to the 'cocktail'. I am 81 and was 79 at the time and it is my understanding the combo is tougher on an older body.👵🏻👵🏻

It is in all my charts that I am allergic to NSAIDS to make sure.

As the more experienced have said, the short term won't harm. I hope you have relief.💕

[Washingup in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you for your comment. I certainly won't be taking ibuprofen unless I really have to.

[MiloCollie]

Hope it helps you. It’s rubbish having another issue on top of PMR. You don’t know where the pains coming from. Chin up. 🥰