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Next day delivery available
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Genuine medication
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Discreet packaging
Ibuprofen Gel 5%
What is Ibuprofen gel?
Ibuprofen is an everyday painkiller belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class of drugs. As a gel it can be applied topically directly to the area reducing pain and inflammation.
It comes in two strengths Ibuprofen 5% gel and Ibuprofen 10% gel it is also available as tablets.
How to buy Ibuprofen gel online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Ibuprofen 5% gel or Ibuprofen 10% gel online in the UK with collection, free or next day delivery available. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. You will need to fill in a short assessment when you order Ibuprofen gel.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
What can Ibuprofen gel be used for?
It is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of the body, such as the back, neck, or knees. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Backache
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle aches and pains
How Ibuprofen gel works
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involed in pain and inflammation. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury which is associated with the symptoms of redness, swelling, pain and fever. By reducing the levels of prostaglandin paracetamol can reduce the amount of pain we experience.
When applied topically in the form of a gel, ibuprofen is absorbed through the skin and into the underlying tissues, where it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain directly at the site that is causing pain. This provides fast and effective relief with less chance of side effects than tablets which are taken orally.
How to use Ibuprofen gel
Ibuprofen gel is only indicated for those who are 12+.
Apply thin layer of the gel and gently massage it into the affected area up to three or four times a day.
Do not apply the gel on broken skin or on open wounds.
Who cannot use Ibuprofen gel
It is generally well tolerated and suitable for most adults and children. However it may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Ibuprofen
- Have a history of asthma attacks after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Have a history of or active stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Suffer from kidney problems
Ibuprofen and other painkillers
Ibuprofen can be taken with other painkillers as long as they do not belong to the class of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors such as Naproxen, Aspirin, Diclofenac, Celecoxib or Etoricoxib. Be wary if you purchase any combination medicines such as cold & flu as they may contain a NSAID, speak to the pharmacist if you are unsure.
Ibuprofen can be safely taken with Paracetamol and codeine as these work differently to Ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen gel and pregnancy
It is not recommended to be used while pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant as it can affect your baby's circulation and kidneys
Ibuprofen gel and breastfeeding
Ibuprofen is safe to use topically while breastfeeding at recommended doses a tiny amount may pass through breast milk into your baby but it is unlikely to do any harm.
Ibuprofen and fertility
If you are trying to get pregnant you should avoid any anti-inflammatory medicines, like Ibuprofen. These medicines in large doses or when taken for a long period of time can affect ovulation and make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. If you are trying to become pregnant and you take Ibuprofen, talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Ibuprofen side effects
Side effects are rare with Ibuprofen gel but they include:
- Indigestion
- Skin reactions
More rare but serious side effects include:
- Severe indigestion
- Severe heartburn
- Vomiting blood or dark particles
- Blood in your stools
- Frequent sore throat,
- Blood in your urine
- Slow or irregular heart beat
- Sgns of jaundice such as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
Call 111 or your doctor if you experience any of the mentioned. If you experience a high temperature, feel sick or start being sick, get confused, have a headache, neck stiffness and sensitivity to light or experience chest pains call 999.
Ibuprofen gel alternatives
Alternatives to Ibuprofen gel include:
You can also use these products instead of or alongside Ibuprofen:
- Paracetamol tablets
- Co-codamol tablets
- Co-codamol soluble tablets
- Paramol tablets
- Solapdeine Plus capsules – these contain caffeine
- Solapdeine Plus soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
- Solapdeine Max tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
- Solapdeine Max Soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
More Ibuprofen gel information
If you would like more information, you can find the SPC: Ibuprofen gel SPC
Ibuprofen gel FAQs
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Can you buy Ibuprofen gel over the counter?
Yes Ibuprofen 5% and 10% gel can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
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Can I use Ibuprofen gel while pregnant?
It is not recommended to be used while you are pregnant.
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Can I use Ibuprofen gel while breastfeeding?
Ibuprofen gel is safe to use while breastfeeding at recommended doses, a tiny amount may pass through breast milk into your baby but it is unlikely to do any harm.
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Is it safe to buy Ibuprofen gel from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC. -
Does Ibuprofen gel expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the mon. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
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How should I store Ibuprofen gel?
They should be stored in a dry area below 25°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
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How quickly does Ibuprofen gel work?
It can take 1 or 2 days to see an effect from Ibuprofen gel.
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Can I use Ibuprofen gel with other painkillers?
If your other pain relief medication is also an anti-inflammatory such as Naproxen, Aspirin or a COX-2 inhibitor such as Celecoxib you cannot use them together. It is fine to take other painkillers such as codeine and paracetamol alongside ibuprofen gel for a short period. If you need to take them together for long periods you should contact your doctor.
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Can I use Ibuprofen gel with alcohol?
It is fine to drink alcohol while using Ibuprofen gel.
