Have Degenerative Arthritis In Back. Will Ibuprofen Cause Gastric Problem?

Posted on Mon, 11 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 Answered on

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I had gastritis 9 years ago from taking too much ibuprofen after foot surgery. I have degenerative arthritis in my back and would like to take ibuprofen or aleve for the pain. Can I take ibuprofen without causing gastritis again?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX Well looking into your problem it is possible that you might get gastritis again after taking ibuprofen , no way it can be said that you will not get this problem again because you have a tendency for this . You can take some precautions like keeping the food bland rather than spicy , decreasing tea and coffee intake and addition of a proton pump inhibitor like pantaprazole half an hour before breakfast after due consultation with your treating doctor which will solve your problem . Take care. Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (13 minutes later)

Could I get gastritis from taking ibuprofen once or twice a week?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thank you for reverting back . Well I dont think taking medicine once or twice a week will not lead to any problem. But in case you have it you can take the medicine as I advised you earlier. Take care. Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (15 hours later)

Is there something I should take before taking ibuprofen to coat my stomach--like pepto bismol, crackers, etc.?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thank you for reverting back. It may affect the efficacy of ibuprofen so better not take it . Take care. Dr. Shruti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar