ibuprofen
Prescription ibuprofen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). It is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking ibuprofen affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether ibuprofen can make it harder to get pregnant. A few small studies have suggested that ibuprofen use might increase the chance of unruptured follicle syndrome, where a follicle does not release an egg at ovulation, which could make conception more difficult. Anyone with questions about fertility and ibuprofen should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking ibuprofen increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Some studies have suggested that ibuprofen use, especially around the time of conception or over a long period, might increase the chance of miscarriage, but because miscarriage has many possible causes, it is hard to know if the medication, the condition being treated, or other factors are responsible. This is something to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Does taking ibuprofen increase the risk of birth defects?
Birth defects occur in about 3% of all pregnancies, and several studies have not reported an increased chance of birth defects with ibuprofen use. A few studies have suggested a small possible increase (less than 1%) in gastroschisis with first-trimester use, and a few studies of NSAID prescriptions have suggested a small increase in heart defects, but the available data have important limitations. A healthcare provider can help interpret these findings in an individual situation.
Can taking ibuprofen during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Ibuprofen is generally not recommended after week 20 of pregnancy. Reports suggest NSAID use in the second half of pregnancy (and possibly earlier) may affect fetal kidneys and reduce amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), which can lead to complications such as poor lung development, joint contractures, early delivery, or, in some cases, fetal demise; later use may also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension. Some studies have also suggested possible links to preterm delivery or low birth weight, though findings vary, and use later in pregnancy should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
Can taking ibuprofen during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether ibuprofen use during pregnancy increases the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Any concerns about long-term child development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in small amounts, and the amount in milk is less than doses given directly to infants. Side effects are not expected in breastfed children exposed to ibuprofen through breast milk. Specific breastfeeding questions should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
ibuprofen