WrongDoctors

Advil (ibuprofen) is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Advil is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

Advil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Advil

Advil can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Advil. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Advil can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole).

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take more of Advil than is recommended. An overdose of Advil can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of Advil needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Before taking Advil

NSAIDs can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you take Advil. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID.

Do not use Advil if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Advil if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• polyps in your nose;

• liver or kidney disease;

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• if you smoke.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Advil is harmful to an unborn baby. However, taking Advil during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take Advil during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. It is not known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.