Take a closer look at common myths about a well-known pain reliever

Nurofen is an effective over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that is most commonly recommended due to its anti-inflammatory properties.1 However, its use may be limited due to healthcare professional misconceptions about its safety and tolerability profile.2,3 Here we take a closer look at some common myths about Nurofen, and discuss the clinical evidence supporting its use as a first-line OTC pain reliever.

MYTH 1: NUROFEN HAS A HIGH GI RISK PROFILE2-4

It is often thought that Nurofen is harsh on the stomach.2-4 However, evidence suggests that Nurofen has the same low risk of side effects as paracetamol when taken as directed, including gastrointestinal and respiratory.5,6* Plus, it is suitable for the majority (77%) of Australians,7 so you can confidently recommend Nurofen for your customers needing effective relief from everyday aches and pains.

MYTH 2: NUROFEN SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH FOOD2,8

Did you know that taking Nurofen with food could affect how it works?9,10 This is because food may delay the absorption of Nurofen, causing it to take longer to reach peak levels in the blood.9,10 Rather, taking Nurofen without food could result in better early pain relief, longer-lasting pain relief, and reduced need for re-medication.9 Plus, the Australian Medicines Handbook advises ibuprofen can be taken with water alone.11

MYTH 3: ASTHMATICS SHOULD NOT TAKE NUROFEN3

Many people are unaware that most asthmatics can take Nurofen.3,12 The fact is, fewer than 11% of adults with asthma are sensitive to ibuprofen, and it is even less common in children.12 So when recommending Nurofen to a customer with asthma, ask about their previous experience with NSAIDs to help assess their risk of a reaction. 

MYTH 4: NUROFEN IS NOT A SUITABLE FIRST-LINE CHOICE FOR EVERYDAY ACHES AND PAINS1

Some people believe that Nurofen is not a suitable first-line choice for everyday aches and pains.1 In actual fact, Nurofen can be used first-line for everyday aches and pains such as headaches, muscle pain and back pain.11 Plus, Nurofen also relieves inflammation, which may be present with everyday pain more often than you think.13

 

Next time a customer asks about everyday pain relief, give them the facts.

 

*When Nurofen (ibuprofen) is used as directed in an over-the-counter setting in people without contraindications/precautions.

Nurofen Zavance contains 256mg ibuprofen sodium dihydrate (equiv. to 200mg ibuprofen). For the temporary relief of pain and/or inflammation.

References: 1. IMS Health, Recommendation Tracking Data. 2. Cegedim Omnibus, Retail Pharmacists, June 2012. 3. 2010 Leading Edge Report – Nurofen Headache Qualitative. 4. Quintiles IMS Brand Health Tracker 2016, W2. 5. Moore N et al. Clin Drug Invest 1999;18:89–98. 6. Rampal P et al. J Int Med Res 2002;30:301–8. 7. Clarke GD et al. Int J Pharm Pract 2008;16:333–6. 8. RB Consumer Research Project Reliever 2, March 2011. 9. Moore RA et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015;80:381–8. 10. Rainsford KD et al. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012;64:465–9. 11. Australian Medicines Handbook 2016, Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd; Adelaide. 12. National Asthma Council Australia. Asthma FAQs. Available at https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/faqs. Accessed January 2017. 13. Omoigui S. Med Hypotheses 2007;69:1169–78.

®NUROFEN is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Ltd. Level 47, 680 George St, Sydney 2000, NSW Australia. Prepared July 2017. NUR0332d.