What are Nurofen Joint and Muscular Pain Relief Patches?

Nurofen Patches are medicated pain relief patches to help ease pain in joints and muscles. Due to their flexibility, they’re ideal for use on knees, elbows and other joints. This product also works as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling in sore joints and muscles.

What kind of pain can these ibuprofen patches help to relieve?

Nurofen Patches provide effective pain relief for:

• Strains and sprains.
• Sports injuries.
• Pain that’s close to your joints e.g. elbows or knees.
• Muscular tension.
• Overusing your muscles.

How do Nurofen Patches work to ease pain?

The active ingredient in these pain relief patches is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) which help to relieve pain by changing how the body responds to pain, swelling and high temperature. The medicated patch locally delivers ibuprofen to the site of pain, continuously, over 24 hours of application.

Using the patches with other medication.

Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking this medication if you are taking or have taken any of the following:

• Medicines to lower blood pressure.
• Medicines to thin the blood.
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Are Nurofen Ibuprofen Patches suitable for me?

If you are within the first 6 months of pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before using these patches. Do NOT use this product if you are within the last 3 months of pregnancy. Although no harmful effects when using the patches whilst breastfeeding, it is recommended that you do not apply this medicated plaster directly on to the breast.

If you have eczema, dermatitis or any other dry skin condition, you should not use these patches over the areas of affect skin. You can use these patches over healthy areas of skin.

Always check the leaflet thoroughly before using any medication to ensure it is suitable for you. Seek advice from a doctor or a pharmacist if you are unsure.

How to use Nurofen Patches.

Do NOT use this medicine for more than 5 days unless instructed to by your doctor. One dose is equal to one medicated plaster. The maximum dose for a single patch is 1 in any 24 hour period. For use on healthy, unbroken skin only. The patch can be applied at any time during the day or night but should be replaced at the same time on the following day.

• Ensure the affected area is clean and dry.
• Tear or cut along the dotted line on the protective sachet to remove the pain relief patch.
• Remove the plastic film (marked A) and place the adhesive strip over the middle of the pain area.
• Remove the plastic film (marked B) and stretching slightly, smooth this part of the medicated plaster onto your skin.
• Remove plastic film (marked C).
• Stretching slightly, smooth the rest of the medicated patch onto your skin.
• Avoid exposing the treated area to strong sources of natural and/or artificial lights (e.g. tanning lamps) during treatment and for one day after removal of the patch.

Do NOT:

• Apply to broken or damaged skin.
• Apply to infected skin.
• Apply to eyes, mouth, lips or the genital area. 
• Cut the plaster, it should be used whole.
• Cover with other plasters or non-breathable, dressings/bandages.
• Get the plaster wet. 

When should this product NOT be used?

Do NOT use Nurofen Patches on children or adolescents aged under 16 years. Do NOT use these patches if you:

• Are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, other NSAIDs or any of the other ingredients used (see ingredients tab for full list).
• Have had a previous allergic reaction after taking NSAIDs or aspirin such as asthma, wheezing, itching, runny nose, skin rashes, swelling.
• Are in the last three months of pregnancy.

Talk to your GP or a pharmacist if:

• Have or have ever had asthma or suffer from allergies.
• Have gastric ulcer, bowel, heart, kidney or liver problems.
• Are in the first 6 months of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side Effects.

Like all medicines, Nurofen Patches can cause side effects, although not everybody may experience them.

Stop using this medicine and contact a doctor immediately if you develop:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as asthma, unexplained wheezing or shortness of breath, itching/runny nose or skin rashes.
• Signs of hypersensitivity and skin reactions such as redness, swelling, peeling, blistering, flaking or ulceration of the skin. 

Tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you develop:

• Skin reactions such as redness, burning, itching, soreness or weeping.
• Asthma, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Stomach pain or other stomach problems. 
• Kidney problems. 

Storage.

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Do NOT use this medicine after the expiry date. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package to protect from light. Once opened, the shelf-life of these patches is 6 months.

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