*Ibuprofen sits in medicine cabinets across the country, but Al Roker’s experience is a reminder that even common over-the-counter medications can cause serious problems when not taken properly.
The longtime TODAY personality revealed on Aug. 13 that he developed stomach ulcers after taking too much ibuprofen. The disclosure came as Dr. Akshay Syal, an NBC medical contributor, discussed how to choose between common pain medications.
Syal explained that ibuprofen can be useful when inflammation leads to pain, but there is an important risk associated with taking too much.
“But, guys, the key side effect to this is it can cause ulcers if you take too much,” he said, (via TODAY). “It erodes the stomach lining. The acid can damage the stomach, so please be careful.”
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Roker recognized the warning from his own experience. “That’s what happened to me,” he said.
Ibuprofen is part of a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. While these drugs can provide relief from pain and inflammation, prolonged or excessive use can increase the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The concern isn’t limited to ibuprofen. Aspirin is also an NSAID, and extended use of medications in this category is a well-known risk factor for developing peptic ulcers.
Syal highlighted another consideration when choosing a pain reliever: kidney health. He said people with kidney disease should generally avoid ibuprofen and may instead be able to use acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, for certain types of pain.
“Tylenol is really good for headaches or toothaches, that sort of thing,” Syal said. “And it’s metabolized by the liver, so safer for people with kidney disease.”
However, acetaminophen carries its own potential risks. The larger lesson is that “over-the-counter” does not automatically mean free of side effects.
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