Ibuprofen is a go-to remedy for pain and fever, found in medicine cabinets worldwide.
But behind its soothing effects are hidden dangers you probably never heard of. Here are some facts about the popular painkiller that might surprise you.
Ibuprofen can triple your risk of stroke
One of the most shocking revelations is that daily use of ibuprofen may triple the risk of having a stroke.
Some studies report an increased risk between 10 and 50 percent — and that’s within just a few weeks of use.
Also read: Experts Agree: This Is the Healthiest Oil to Cook With
Heart, liver and kidneys silently take a hit
Ibuprofen affects key organs in your body — especially the heart, liver and kidneys.
And you don’t need to use it long term to feel the effects: even short-term use at moderate doses can lead to serious damage.
It interacts with over 400 other drugs
Ibuprofen may interfere with the effectiveness of more than 400 other medications.
This is a critical risk, especially for those managing chronic conditions or taking prescription drugs regularly.
Also read: They Only Slept 4 Hours for 3 Nights – What Scientists Found Was Shocking
Leftover pills can kill pets
A single dropped tablet can be fatal for cats or dogs. Ibuprofen is toxic to animals and can lead to severe organ damage or death, even in very small amounts.
It harms the environment
Ibuprofen doesn’t disappear when flushed away.
It ends up in rivers and lakes where it can damage aquatic life and disrupt plant ecosystems — an environmental issue few are aware of.
Men and women react differently
New research reveals that men and women metabolize ibuprofen differently.
Also read: Forget Sleeping Pills—This Natural Fix Is in Your Fridge
For example, the enzymes that process medicine behave in opposite ways depending on gender, which may cause drugs to stay longer in the male body.
It causes oxidative stress in the liver
Studies in mice found that ibuprofen increases the production of hydrogen peroxide in liver cells — a toxic compound that puts cells under stress and increases the risk of liver injury.
It disrupts your metabolism
In male mice, ibuprofen altered 34 different metabolic processes — including those responsible for breaking down vitamins, hormones and amino acids.
These changes raise concerns about how the drug impacts human biochemistry.
Also read: One Teaspoon Before Breakfast Could Change How You Feel All Day
Protein recycling is affected by gender
The proteasome, which breaks down damaged proteins in cells, reacted differently in male and female mice.
This suggests that the body’s cellular cleanup system may not work the same across sexes — with unknown consequences.
It should only be used short term
While ibuprofen is effective for pain, inflammation and fever, experts strongly recommend using it for the shortest time possible and in the lowest effective dose.
It’s far from harmless, especially with repeated or unnecessary use.
Also read: Popular Candy Brand Under Scrutiny: May Increase Cancer Risk
This article is based on information from Scientias.nl.