What are Nurofen soft capsules?

Nurofen soft capsules are pain relief medication that’s ideal for headaches, period pain, muscular pain, toothache, and lots of other everyday aches and pains. Nurofen soft capsules are perfect for anyone over the age of 12 who’s looking for a way to ease their pain, reduce swelling, and even bring down a fever.

What kinds of aches and pains can I use Nurofen for?

Nurofen is an ideal remedy for everyday aches and pains and minor injuries. Some of the most popular reasons why people take Nurofen soft capsules include:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Nerve pain
• Backache
• Period pain
• Rheumatic pain
• Muscular pain
• Strains and sprains
• Minor sporting injuries
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Dental pain

How does ibuprofen work to ease pain?

Ibuprofen helps to ease pain because it’s a type of drug known as a NSAID, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. This means it changes the way your body responds to pain and inflammation, easing your pain and reducing swelling while also helping to reduce a high temperature. This is why ibuprofen is such a popular medication for everyday aches and pains like headaches, migraines, minor injuries such as sprains or strains, period pain, and cold and flu symptoms.

Can I take Nurofen if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. You should not take this product if you’re currently taking:

• More than 75mg of aspirin a day
• Any other NSAIDs
• Corticosteroid tablets
• Quinolone antibiotics

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

• Blood thinning medication, also known as anticoagulants, e.g.  warfarin, ticlopidine, aspirin
• Medications to stimulate your heart, e.g. glycosides
• Medications used to reduce high blood pressure, including ACE-inhibitors such as captopril, beta-blockers such as atenolol medicines, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists such as losartan
• Diuretics, which are used to help you to pass water
• Medications for the temporary suppression of your immune system, e.g. methotrexate, ciclosporine, tacrolimus
• Medications for mania or depression, e.g. lithium, SSRIs
• Medication for pregnancy termination, e.g. mifepristone
• HIV treatment, e.g. zidovudine

Can I take this product if I’m pregnant?

If you’re within the first 6 months of your pregnancy or are breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Nurofen capsules. This product may not be suitable for you at this time, and you may be advised to use a different pain killer, such as paracetamol. If you’re in the last 3 months of your pregnancy, you should not take Nurofen capsules.

How to take Nurofen soft capsules

Take one or two Nurofen soft capsules with a sip of water. Take these capsules up to 3 times a day, leave at least 4 hours between each dose and do not take more than 6 capsules within a 24-hour period. Do not take this product for more than 10 days at a time, unless advised to do so by your doctor.

When should this product not be used?

Nurofen soft capsules are not suitable for children under the age of 12. Do not use this product if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not use this product if you:

• Have or have ever had a stomach ulcer, stomach perforation, or bleeding
• Have had a worsening of asthma, allergic rash, itchy runny nose, or facial swelling while taking similar medication
• Have had stomach bleeding or perforation when previously taking NSAIDs
• Have severe liver or kidney problems
• Have heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood coagulation disorder
• Have breathing difficulties

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

• Asthma
• Kidney, heart, liver, or bowel problems
• High cholesterol, or have previously had a heart attack or stroke
• A history of gastrointestinal disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Are a smoker
• A potassium-controlled diet
• An intolerance to some sugars
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease or stroke

Does this product have any side effects?

Like all medication, Nurofen soft capsules can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects while using this product, stop use and seek immediate medical attention:

• Blood in your poo
• Black, tarry stools
• Vomiting blood or dark particles which look like coffee grounds
• Difficulty breathing, unexplained wheezing, worsening of asthma
• Other symptoms of allergic reaction, e.g. swelling of the face or throat, low blood pressure, fast heart rate
• A severe skin reaction known as DRESS, which shows symptoms such as skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes, an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cells)

If you experience any of the following side effects, or any unlisted side effects, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist:

• Indigestion, heartburn
• Stomach pain, other abnormal stomach symptoms
• Skin rash, itchy skin, blisters
• Fluid retention, high blood pressure, heart failure
• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, flatulence
• Skin peeling
• Kidney or liver disorders
• Blood disorders, showing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe exhaustion, unexplained bleeding, bruising
• Symptoms of meningitis, e.g. fever and chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck (especially in those with existing auto-immune disorders, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Worsening of colitis or Crohn’s disease

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. Store in original packaging, do not use if the expiry date printed on 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