Ibuprofen side effects: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), pain reliever and fever reducer used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains. Ibuprofen is generally considered safe when taken as directed. Learn about the side effects of ibuprofen, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor and hence, it inhibits the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2. The inhibition of COX-2 activity decreases the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in mediating inflammation, pain, fever, and swelling while the inhibition of COX-1 is thought to cause some of the side effects of ibuprofen including GI ulceration. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.