What is Ibuprofen Gel 5%?

Ibuprofen Gel 5% is a pain relief gel that can help to ease muscular aches and pains as well as pain in your joints. It uses the popular pain relief medication ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling, making it ideal for minor injuries such as sprains and strains where the skin hasn’t been broken. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to ease muscle and joint pain, Ibuprofen Gel could be the perfect product for you.

What kinds of pain can I use this product for?

Ibuprofen gel can be used to ease lots of different joint and muscular pains, with some of the most popular reasons people use this product including:

• Backache
• Rheumatic pain
• Muscular pain
• Sprains
• Strains
• Sporting injuries

How will Ibuprofen Gel 5% help to ease my muscular and joint pain?

Each dose of Ibuprofen Gel 5% contains 50 – 125mg of the active ingredient ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a pain relief medication which is one of a group of medications called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This means it works by changing how your body reacts to pain and inflammation, easing pain and reducing swelling all in one.

Can I use this pain relief gel if I have asthma?

If you have asthma you should not use ibuprofen gel. If you’re suffering with muscular pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a medication that will be suitable for you.

Can I use this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Ibuprofen gel is not suitable for use during pregnancy or when you’re breastfeeding. If you’re experiencing joint or muscular pain at this time, speak to your doctor or pharmacist and ask them to recommend a suitable treatment if necessary.

Can I use this product if I’m using other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including those you obtained without a prescription, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. This especially applies if you are using:

• Medicines to lower your blood pressure, e.g. atenolol
• Anti-coagulants, or blood thinners, e.g. warfarin
• Aspirin or any other NSAIDs

How to use this product

Squeeze 4 – 10cm (1.6 – 4 inches) of Ibuprofen Gel from the tube and apply directly to the affected area. Rub the gel in until it’s completely absorbed. Do this up to 4 times a day and be sure to leave at least 4 hours between each application. Do not apply to broken or damaged skin (e.g. cuts or grazes) and do not use under dressings such as plasters.

When should this gel not be used?

Ibuprofen gel is not suitable for use in children under the age of 14. Do not use this product if you are allergic to ibuprofen, any other NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin), or any of the other listed ingredients. For external use only, avoid contact with eyes or other sensitive areas. Do not apply to the genital area. Protect any treated areas from direct sunlight to prevent reactions such as a rash. Do not use this product if you have:

• Asthma
• Rhinitis, which is an allergic runny nose
• Urticaria, or hives
• Broken, damaged, infected, or diseased skin in the area you wish to treat

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you:

• Have bronchial asthma or any allergic disease
• Have had an ulcer or other problems affecting your stomach or intestines at any point
• Have asthma or wheezing attacks, or have ever had them in the past
• Have kidney problems
• Develop a rash after using this product

Does Ibuprofen Gel have any side effects?

Like all medications, Ibuprofen Gel can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects while using this product, you may be having an allergic reaction and should seek medical assistance immediately:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, throat, etc.
• Rash
• Itching, especially over the whole body

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Itching or reddening of the skin
• Burning sensation
• Sore or weeping spots
• Kidney problems, especially in those with a history of kidney disease
• Stomach pain or other stomach problems

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support