Taking Ibuprofen or Naproxen After 60?The Stomach-Bleeding Warning on the Label
Bloating & DigestionArticleOver-the-counter NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen carry a stomach-bleeding warning that lists being 60 or older as a risk factor. Blood thinners, steroids, a past ulcer, daily drinking and taking more or longer than directed raise the risk too. Here is the label's checklist and the warning signs to know.
In this article
Ibuprofen and naproxen belong to a class called NSAIDs. Many women 50 and older reach for them for joint aches, back pain or headaches. The label’s stomach-bleeding warning is worth reading closely, because the first risk factor it lists is age.
The label’s stomach-bleeding checklist
NSAIDs may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:1
- Are 60 or older
- Have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
- Take a blood thinner or a steroid medicine
- Take more than one NSAID, including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, prescription or not
- Have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day while using it
- Take more or for longer than directed
If any box applies, the label says to ask a doctor before use.1
Also ask first if you
- Have a history of heartburn or other stomach problems1
- Have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, asthma or a past stroke1
- Take a water pill (diuretic)1
- Take aspirin for your heart, because ibuprofen may reduce that benefit1
NSAIDs other than aspirin also raise the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, especially at higher doses or longer use.1
Signs of stomach bleeding
Stop and get help if you:1
- Feel faint
- Vomit blood
- Have bloody or black stools
- Have stomach pain that doesn’t improve
Safer-use basics from the label
- Use the smallest dose that works.1
- Take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.1
- Don’t use it for pain longer than 10 days without checking with a doctor.1
Questions to ask
- Is an NSAID safe for me, given my age and medicines?
- Should I take something to protect my stomach if I need it regularly?
- Would another option work, such as acetaminophen, a topical NSAID or physical therapy?
Our guides to stomach ulcers and H. pylori, the heartburn aisle and joint aches in menopause cover related questions.
Try: “I’m 63 and I take ibuprofen most days for my knees. I’m also on a baby aspirin. Is that safe, and should I protect my stomach?”
Bloated by Dinner includes a Belly Clock log and a Test-It list with a visit script. Use them to list every pain reliever you take, how often and at what dose. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please ask your clinician or pharmacist before taking pain relievers regularly, especially if you take other medicines. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, black or bloody stools, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side, or slurred speech needs emergency care. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses over-the-counter label information. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- DailyMed, National Library of MedicineIbuprofen 200 mg liquid-filled capsules (over the counter): Drug Facts (opens in a new tab)abcdefghijk
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