*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 P: Personality Disorders.

Who Can And Cannot Take Ibuprofen

NHS medicines information on who can take ibuprofen and who may not be able to take it.

Who can take ibuprofen

Most adults and young people aged 17 and over can take ibuprofen.

For under-17s, read our information on ibuprofen for children.

Who may not be able to take ibuprofen

Do not take ibuprofen by mouth or apply it to your skin if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction or symptoms like wheezing, runny nose or skin reactions after taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen
are pregnant

To make sure ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

have ever had bleeding in your stomach or a hole (perforation) in your stomach caused by an NSAID
have had a hole (perforation) in your stomach, bleeding in your stomach or a stomach ulcer more than once
have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding
have severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
have high blood pressure that's not under control
have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or have ever had a stroke
have kidney or liver problems
have asthma, hay fever or allergies
have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
have chickenpox - taking ibuprofen can increase the chance of certain infections and skin reactions

If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition.

To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

kidney problems
asthma, hay fever or allergies
a stomach ulcer

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. 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.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.