[Maura]

Hi,

Does anybody take Ibuprofen for muscle aches and back pain?
My neurologist told me to take Ibuprofen 2/800 mg a day.:worried::worried::worried:
Normally I take Feldene although it does not help me much with the pain.
Is it safe to take Ibuprofen?

Hugs

Maura

 

[Katharine]

Hello Maura,

I have taken ibuprofen in the past. My GP had prescribed the 800 mg slow release ones before knowing exactly what was wrong with me and I used to take one at night. The rheumatologist prefers me on Feldene. I too find it less effective and it actually only really works in cases of extra inflammation rather than overall pain. The most effective for me was celebrex which isn't prescribed to "young" people (it's not reimbursed unless you're over 60 I think) here and it seems they don't like it in general anymore.

I think ibuprofen is often avoided as it is not really the best med for the kidneys, so anyone who has kidney problems or who may be at risk of them (lupus patients in general) is often told to stay away from it.

What does your rheumatologist say about it? Have you thought about putting in a call to him/her to find out? Maybe your disease activity in general is simply not under enough control. From your previous posts I'd say that may be the case. Really the only person who can tell you if they think it is safe (as they know all your symptoms and test results) is your rheumy.

sorry I can't be of more help,
:hug:
Katharine

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Maura
One of the reasons why rheumatologists are a bit leery of Ibo is that people with lupus have a higher risk than usual of developing aseptic meningitis from it. Actually this risk is higher in people with lupus with any NSAID but Ibo even more. All the same the risk is low, only 48 recorded cases according to one source, but there are so many other NSAID's to choose from.
Heart problems might contraindicate Celebrex as well as renal and other risks.
But there are risks from every medication and people's reactions differ as to what works best for them
I wonder why he doesn't start you on another disease modifying medication in addition to the Plaquenil. You seem to have been going through a lot for some time now
I hope the Ibo helps

Hugs and good luck
Clare

 

[AmandaB]

Hi,

I've taken Ibuprofen since the day I was diagnosed to 'back up' my other meds. I find that it helps immensley, especially with muscle aches. I take Nurofen Plus which is a 400mg Ibuprofen with Codeine although on a recent visit to Spain I had some 600mg Ibuprofen that my dad gave me as they can buy them over the counter in higher doses in Spain. I've been lowering my Pred from 20mg to 5mg since January and have found that taking Ibuprofen gets me through the 'bumpy' days. It also helps me sleep at night when my shoulder/back pain plays up.

I've never taken Feldene so can't comment on that I'm afraid.

Amanda

 

[Katharine]

Just for info - Feldene is Piroxicam. I have no idea if it's called that elsewhere.

 

[Maura]

:hug:Thank you all for answering my question.
Well, I tried to contact my rheumy but it seems that he is on vacation the next 2 weeks. So I think I should wait before starting the ibo.
I am going to ask him whether he still support his current therapy,
Plaquenil with NSAID.

I will keep you posted on this matter.


Hugs

Maura