What is Nurofen Plus used for?
Nurofen Plus combines two active ingredients: ibuprofen and codeine phosphate.
- Ibuprofen is part of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing pain, swelling, and fever in the body.
- Codeine is an opioid analgesic that helps manage pain. It can be used on its own or combined with other painkillers like paracetamol.
Nurofen Plus is suitable for adults and children over 12 years old to provide short-term relief from moderate pain that other painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, cannot ease. Conditions treated include:
- Migraines and headaches
- Period pain and dental pain
- Back pain, muscular pain, and rheumatic conditions
You can purchase Nurofen Plus online at courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing an online consultation form.
How does Nurofen Plus work?
Nurofen Plus combines two active ingredients—ibuprofen and codeine phosphate—to provide effective pain relief.
Ibuprofen:
- Classification: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
- Function: Ibuprofen helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking the production of prostaglandins. These chemicals are responsible for causing pain and swelling in the body, so by lowering their levels, ibuprofen helps ease discomfort and fever.
Codeine Phosphate:
- Classification: Opioid Analgesic
- Function: Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which blocks pain signals. This provides additional pain relief, particularly for moderate to severe pain that other painkillers, like ibuprofen, may not fully manage.
Combined Effect:
When taken together in Nurofen Plus, ibuprofen and codeine offer a dual approach to pain relief. Ibuprofen addresses inflammation and general pain, while codeine targets more intense pain by working directly on the nervous system. This combination makes Nurofen Plus especially effective for pain linked with inflammation, such as headaches, period pain, dental pain, and muscular pain.
Usage:
Nurofen Plus is designed for short-term use, up to 3 days, in adults and children aged 12 years and older. If pain persists beyond this time, it's essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
You can purchase Nurofen Plus online at courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing an online consultation form.
Who should not take Nurofen Plus?
You should not take Nurofen Plus if:
- You are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- You have had or currently have breathing problems.
- You suffer from severe liver, kidney, or heart issues.
- You have chronic constipation or have had stomach ulcers, perforation, or bleeding.
- You have experienced gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation while using NSAIDs before.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are under 12 years old.
- You are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or have used them within the past 14 days.
- You need pain relief in children or teens (0-18 years) after tonsil or adenoid removal due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
- You know that you metabolize codeine quickly into morphine.
Do not take Nurofen Plus for more than 3 days without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to addiction due to the codeine content.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine if you:
- Have or have had asthma.
- Have kidney, heart, liver, or bowel problems, or are dehydrated.
- Have high or low blood pressure.
- Have a head injury or raised intracranial pressure.
- Have a thyroid disorder.
Additional precautions:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): If you have this immune system condition that affects joints, skin, and organs.
- High cholesterol: If your cholesterol levels are high.
- Heart attack or stroke: If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke in the past.
- Gastrointestinal diseases: If you have a history of conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Smoking: If you are a smoker.
- Gallstones: If you have gallstones.
- Myasthenia Gravis: If you have muscle weakness caused by this condition.
- Infections: If you have an infection, this medicine may mask signs such as fever or pain and delay treatment.
Infections and skin reactions:
- This medicine may hide signs of infection and delay proper treatment, increasing the risk of complications.
- Serious skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, or signs of an allergic reaction, may occur. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking Nurofen Plus immediately and seek medical help.
Elderly patients:
- Elderly people may experience an increased risk of breathing problems while using this medicine, so extra care should be taken.
For more information or to buy Nurofen Plus, complete the online consultation form on courierpharmacy.co.uk.
What are the side effects of Nurofen Plus?
Like all medicines, Nurofen Plus can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Signs of intestinal bleeding, such as bright red stools, black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or dark particles that look like coffee grounds.
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including severe skin rashes, peeling or blistering skin, facial swelling, unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, or easy bruising.
- Signs of a rare but serious skin reaction (DRESS syndrome), including skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and changes in white blood cell count.
- A red, scaly rash with bumps under the skin and blisters, mainly on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities, accompanied by fever.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Indigestion, heartburn, or nausea
- Stomach pain or other stomach-related symptoms
- Rashes or itching
- Headache
Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- Liver and kidney problems
Other possible side effects (frequency unknown):
- Worsening of asthma
- Sweating, thirst, muscle weakness or tremors, sleeplessness
- Chest pain or fast, irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Decreased appetite, depression, hallucinations, blurred vision
- Skin sensitivity to light
- Sleep apnea
- Increased sensitivity to pain
Important considerations:
- Long-term or high-dose use of Nurofen Plus can lead to kidney damage and affect kidney function, causing issues like renal tubular acidosis and low potassium levels. Symptoms include muscle weakness and light-headedness.
- Using this medicine may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Addiction warning:
If you follow the instructions, it’s unlikely you will become addicted. However, you may be at risk if:
- You need to take the medicine for longer than recommended.
- You feel the need to take higher doses.
- You feel very unwell when you stop taking it, but feel better when you start again.
If you experience any of these side effects or others not listed, contact your healthcare provider. You can also report side effects directly to the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by downloading the MHRA Yellow Card app.
For more information or to purchase Nurofen Plus, visit courierpharmacy.co.uk and complete the online consultation form.
Does Nurofen Plus interact with other medicines?
Nurofen Plus may interact with certain medications. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine alongside others.
Medicines that may interact with ibuprofen (one of the active ingredients):
- Anticoagulants, such as aspirin, warfarin, or ticlopidine
- Medications to treat high blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol), or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (e.g., losartan)
Medicines that may interact with codeine (the other active ingredient):
- Moclobemide (used for depression)
- Hydroxyzine (an anti-anxiety medication)
- Loperamide and kaolin (used for diarrhea)
- Quinidine or mexiletine (for abnormal heart rhythms)
- Metoclopramide or domperidone (anti-sickness medications)
- Cimetidine (used for stomach ulcers)
- Naloxone (used for opioid overdose)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):
- These medications, used to treat depression, may also interact with codeine.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Nurofen Plus with other medications. For more information or to purchase Nurofen Plus online, visit courierpharmacy.co.uk and complete the online consultation form.
Nurofen Plus FAQs
Can Nurofen Plus affect fertility in women?
Yes, Nurofen Plus belongs to a group of medicines that may temporarily affect fertility in women. This effect is reversible once you stop using the medicine. Occasional use is unlikely to impact your chances of getting pregnant. If you're having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Is there a risk of heart attack or stroke with Nurofen Plus?
Medicines like Nurofen Plus may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially when taken in high doses or for prolonged periods. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it longer than necessary (3 days). If you have heart problems, a history of stroke, or other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments.
How does codeine metabolism affect pain relief?
Codeine is converted into morphine in the liver, which helps relieve pain. The way your body processes codeine can vary, with some people not making enough morphine for effective pain relief, while others may produce too much, leading to harmful side effects. If you experience symptoms like shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite, stop taking this medicine and seek medical help immediately.
Can Nurofen Plus cause sleep-related breathing disorders?
Nurofen Plus can contribute to sleep-related breathing issues, such as sleep apnea (pauses in breathing) or sleep-related hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood). If you notice breathing interruptions, difficulty staying asleep, or excessive daytime drowsiness, consult your doctor. A dosage reduction may be necessary.
Can increasing the dose of Nurofen Plus increase sensitivity to pain?
Rarely, increasing the dose of Nurofen Plus can make you more sensitive to pain. If this happens, consult your doctor for advice on how to proceed with your treatment.
Is there a risk of dependence and addiction with Nurofen Plus?
Nurofen Plus contains codeine, which is an opioid and can lead to dependence or addiction with long-term use or high doses. This can lead to overdose, which can be fatal. If you need to take Nurofen Plus for longer than recommended or in higher doses, it can result in serious harm.
What should I do if I experience side effects or have concerns about using Nurofen Plus?
If you experience any side effects or have concerns about using Nurofen Plus, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for guidance.
What are the serious harms of taking Nurofen Plus?
Serious risks include damage to the stomach, intestines, kidneys, and dangerously low potassium levels in the blood. These conditions can be life-threatening.
How can I tell if I am dependent or addicted to Nurofen Plus?
Signs of dependence or addiction include:
- Taking the medicine longer than recommended
- Needing higher doses than advised
- Using the medicine for non-medical reasons, like to feel calm or sleep
- Trying but failing to stop using the medicine
- Feeling unwell when stopping, but feeling better after taking it again (withdrawal effects)
Can children and adolescents use Nurofen Plus after surgery?
No, Nurofen Plus should not be used in children and adolescents after the removal of their tonsils or adenoids, particularly if they have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
Can children with breathing problems use Nurofen Plus?
No, codeine is not recommended for children with breathing problems as it may worsen symptoms of morphine toxicity.
Can I take Nurofen Plus during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- Pregnancy: Do not take Nurofen Plus in the last 3 months of pregnancy due to risks to the unborn child. During the first 6 months, only take it if necessary and as advised by your doctor. Prolonged use or use beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause kidney problems in the baby.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid using codeine while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk.
Can I drive or use machines while taking Nurofen Plus?
Nurofen Plus can cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive. If you're feeling sleepy, dizzy, or drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus and how do they work?
The active ingredients are:
- Ibuprofen: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever.
- Codeine: An opioid analgesic that works to relieve pain.
Can children use Nurofen Plus?
Nurofen Plus is suitable for children over 12 years old for the short-term relief of moderate pain that is not alleviated by other painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Conditions that can be treated include:
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Period pain
- Dental pain
- Back pain
- Rheumatic and muscular pains
To purchase Nurofen Plus online, visit courierpharmacy.co.uk and complete the online consultation form.
