*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Taking Ibuprofen With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with ibuprofen and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

Ibuprofen does not mix well with some medicines.

Ibuprofen applied to the skin is less likely to affect other medicines than if you take it as tablets, capsules, granules or liquid.

For safety, tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking any type of ibuprofen:

medicines that help to prevent blood clots such as warfarin
anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid or naproxen
medicines for high blood pressure
steroid medicines such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone
antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin or ofloxacin
antidepressants such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, paroxetine or sertraline
diabetes medicines such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide or tolbutamide

Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers

It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine.

But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor.

Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you take them together, it may increase the chance of you getting side effects like stomach ache.

NSAIDs are also used in medicines you can buy from pharmacies, such as cough and cold remedies. Before taking any other medicines, check the label to see if they contain aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.

Mixing ibuprofen with herbal remedies and supplements

It's best not to take gingko biloba with ibuprofen as it can increase the chance of bleeding.

There's not enough information to say that other herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with ibuprofen. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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