Is Advil Intake Safe When Suffering From Stomach Ulcer?

Posted on Thu, 6 Feb 2014

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

Thu, 6 Feb 2014 Answered on

Sat, 22 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am a 42 year old female, diagnosed with a stomach ulcer 2 weeks ago. I have finished my 10 day antibiotic therapy and am still on protonix until my follow up in 2 months. I was also diagnosed with ibs. My GI dr performed endoscopy and colonoscopy. I never had any ulcer symptoms aside from the gnawing-hunger feeling in the middle of my stomach every once in a while. For the past few days I have had a pain under my left rib, not sure how to explain it... An annoying pain, almost like trapped gas. I have had it before but never for 3 days straight. Also, my period started today and I took 2 Advil. My GI dr said it was ok to take it but not often. Now I am afraid because I have read its XXXXXXX to take it with an existing ulcer? I guess my concerns are the left side under the rib pain and the Advil question. I will try and get in touch with my dr in the next few days but am just looking for a peace of mind tonight. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: relax...its nothing very serious Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX This is Dr. Ashish Verma, a general surgeon answering to your query. Yes, advil should not be taken with stomach ulcers...as it is a NSAID and it delays ulcer healing...but....but...one or two tabs won't harm you much...its their prolonged intake that causes more harm... Also if you sit worrying about it...that will also affect the healing....stress increases acid production in the stomach...so relax...you can undo whats already been done... Now coming to your left side rib pain...its due to your ulcers only...this aggravation was due to your coming periods which causes change in the hormonal environment in your body...so don't worry about that to... And as you are feeling like gas trapped inside I would make your protonix twice daily for a week...that should solve your problem. Hope that I have answered to all your queries. If you have further queries, I will be glad to answer them. Get well soon. Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (24 minutes later)

Thank you very much. I probably google too much instead of following my dr's advice. I do remember specifically asking him about Advil after my diagnosis because i know my first day (or 2) of period can be intense... I am aware i am not helping my situation in any way by stressing over it. Another question: so you believe the pain i feel under my left rib is ulcer related? If i have been on meds for the past 2 wks, how long does it usually take for the (ulcer) symptom(s) to go away? Again, thank you so much .

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: yes...its ulcer related only...sure of that Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes, that pain is due to ulcer only. It takes about 4-6 weeks for a ulcer to heal completely... it may take a bit more if you continue with your stress... You need to be on pantaprazole for about a minimum of one and a half months....also avoid tea, coffee, spices and soda drinks as these all increase acid production and delay ulcer healing... Hope that i have answered to all your queries. If you dont have further queries you may close this discussion and rate the response. Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E