My brother takes ibuprofen every day for shoulder pain. I don't think it's safe to do this, but he doesn't believe me. Is it safe?
Every medicine has risks and benefits, whether prescribed by a doctor or available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. There are really two issues in self treatment: "Is the treatment safe?" and "Why is there a problem?"
One concern with longer term use of OTC medications is there could be a condition that needs different treatment. Your brother probably has bursitis or tendonitis, but occasional shoulder pain can be angina, a warning sign for a heart attack. Chronic pain for many weeks could raise concerns of a tumor, especially in an older person who smoked or has a history of cancer.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and all drugs of this type can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. This can lead to potentially serious loss of blood. NSAIDs can also make blood pressure hard to control or temporarily decrease kidney function. That said, doctors often recommend prescription-strength doses of ibuprofen for chronic use. I'd say it's not a good idea to take ibuprofen every day for prolonged periods without seeing a healthcare professional. Please encourage your brother to see his doctor.
