Doctors Warn of Serious Risks From Common Painkillers Like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin
NHS physician Dr. Mark Porter has issued a cautionary message about the regular use of common over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, particularly ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. His warning is especially relevant for people living with arthritis or chronic pain who may rely on these drugs frequently.
Speaking to the press on December 2, Dr. Porter highlighted the potentially life-threatening side effects these widely used medications can have for certain patients.
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a familiar remedy for reducing swelling and relieving general discomfort, particularly for injuries such as sprains or strains. Naproxen works similarly, available in lower doses over-the-counter and in higher strengths through prescription. Aspirin, while also easing pain and inflammation, doubles as a blood thinner to prevent dangerous clotting.
Because of these properties, all three medications are often employed to manage arthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. However, according to Dr. Porter, regular or long-term use can carry serious risks, including stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
“Bleeding in the stomach and upper digestive tract is a severe issue,” Dr. Porter explained. “An audit from the University of Oxford estimates it causes at least 60,000 hospital admissions each year, and roughly one in ten of those affected never return home.”
He referenced a study published in the journal Gut, comparing hospital admissions from 2007 to 2022, which revealed that a significant portion of patients experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding were actively taking one of these medications. Nearly half of the patients studied were on drugs that could worsen stomach bleeding, while about one in fourteen were using NSAIDs—including ibuprofen, naproxen, or standard-dose aspirin—that can directly lead to ulceration and hemorrhage.
Dr. Porter stressed the need for awareness about these risks. “Many patients taking low-dose aspirin or anticoagulants to reduce their risk of stroke or heart attack are aware of the balance between benefit and risk. But far too few NSAID users understand how dangerous these medications can be.” He added that NSAIDs account for approximately one-third of all adverse drug reaction hospitalizations in the NHS, occupying about one in five hospital beds.
Beyond gastrointestinal concerns, NSAIDs can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. Even occasional use can aggravate pre-existing stomach issues such as indigestion or heartburn, and long-term use significantly amplifies these dangers.
“The way NSAIDs work—by inhibiting prostaglandins—helps reduce pain but also weakens the stomach’s natural defenses against its own acid, which can lead to irritation, ulcers, bleeding, and in extreme cases, perforation,” Dr. Porter said.
He urged patients to carefully weigh the day-to-day benefits of these drugs against their potential hazards, particularly for:
Individuals taking low-dose aspirin or anticoagulants like warfarin or apixaban
Those prone to indigestion, heartburn, or with a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers
People with chronic kidney disease or heart failure
Anyone over 65 not taking protective medications like omeprazole alongside NSAIDs
“Pain relief is important,” Dr. Porter concluded, “but patients must be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their health when considering these medications for long-term use.”
