Advil & Aleve

[weten2]

Senior

I have been taking Advil on occaison to reduce the pain in my tennis elbow. Some arcticles mentioned taking Aleve or Advil helps the circulation and excelerates healing of the effected area. Has anyone had experience with taking this over an extended period with success? I've also read where it is not good for your organs (liver, kinneys) over a long period.

[shuttle1]

Aleve does nothing for me. I'm a big fan of Advil however.

 

I take it for 2-3 weeks at a time and then try not to for a couple weeks. So far so good.

[Asleep]

You should talk to your personal physician about these drugs --- there are so many potential positives & negatives for both:

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-9368-IBUPR...gname=Ibuprofen

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-1289-NAPRO...e=Naproxen+Oral

[shuttle1]

Actually the cycle I mentioned was recommended by my Dr.

[Hidalgo]

You should talk to your personal physician about these drugs --- there are so many potential positives & negatives for both:

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-9368-IBUPR...gname=Ibuprofen

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-1289-NAPRO...e=Naproxen+Oral

 

My wife is an MD, and she has personally seen cases where NSAIDs have destroyed kidneys and livers. Be EXTREMELY careful and refrain from taking high doses, or using them for extended periods of time. Like the other poster said, it's usually OK when under a DR's supervision......but do your due diligence and check it out for yourself also.

 

I once had a chiropractor suggest that I take 600-700 mg of Advil 2x daily for a back problem that I was having.........I thought my wife was going to blow a fuse when I told her what he suggested. ;)

 

NSAID's are anti-inflammatory drugs and do very little to expedite bloodflow.

[shoe295]

Both drugs work well and do what they are designed to do, relieve inflammation and pain. They do work differently in different people, I for one cannot take ibuprofen without seizing my entire intestinal tract. Naproxen (aleve) works great. As with anything in life, excess will have adverse effects. Moderation very seldom causes far reaching side effects, not to say there are no side effects. There is always a trade off when taking medication, do the benefits outweigh the risks? Do you want to take these daily? Not without consulting your physician. I usually have to take one aleve a day or by the end of the day I can't move very well, too many orthopedic procedures. So for me, knowing the risks involved versus the improved quality of life I attain in taking the pill, I'll take that chance to stay relatively pain free.

 

as for 600-700mg of ibuprofen twice a day, that's not an abnormal dose. 800mg three times a day is very common for dental procedures as ibuprofen is more effective for dental pain than many narcotics. I've been a registered pharmacist for the last 32 years and both of these medications aid people who need pain relief without the danger of addiction, constipation and other side effects. I know many an arthritic individual who take these drugs, in prescribed dosages, for years without issue.

[Ruleschamp]

Each person's body responds differently to the two. After working with several doctors and experimenting, I found that Advil works best for shoulder/joint problems and Aleve works better for my lower back issues. It may be the opposite for you. One thing for sure, though. Both do have a negative impact on most people's bodies if taken for long periods of time or in extremely high dosages, so make sure you check with your doctor if it's something you intended to do daily.

[Hidalgo]

as for 600-700mg of ibuprofen twice a day, that's not an abnormal dose. 800mg three times a day is very common for dental procedures as ibuprofen is more effective for dental pain than many narcotics. I've been a registered pharmacist for the last 32 years and both of these medications aid people who need pain relief without the danger of addiction, constipation and other side effects. I know many an arthritic individual who take these drugs, in prescribed dosages, for years without issue.

 

Well...as a MD for 26 years...I'll take my wife's word over your's. No offense.

 

Perhaps you misunderstood my statement about the dosage. I agree that the amount of ibuprofen you mentioned taken BID is safe when used for certain conditions...But NOT for expended periods of time (aka...8-10 weeks or longer as was suggested to me). If you disagree with me on this, perhaps you need to freshen up on NSAIDs again ? ? ?

 

Or maybe the Board Certified Specialist that I'm married to is wrong........lol.

 

Anyone who is contemplating taking these meds long-term, should do a Google search for "nsaids long term" and see what pops up. You can literally read for DAYS about the damage that these drugs can do after extended periods of use.

[IndyIN]

as for 600-700mg of ibuprofen twice a day, that's not an abnormal dose. 800mg three times a day is very common for dental procedures as ibuprofen is more effective for dental pain than many narcotics. I've been a registered pharmacist for the last 32 years and both of these medications aid people who need pain relief without the danger of addiction, constipation and other side effects. I know many an arthritic individual who take these drugs, in prescribed dosages, for years without issue.

 

Well...as a MD for 26 years...I'll take my wife's word over your's. No offense.

 

Perhaps you misunderstood my statement about the dosage. I agree that the amount of ibuprofen you mentioned taken BID is safe when used for certain conditions...But NOT for expended periods of time (aka...8-10 weeks or longer as was suggested to me). If you disagree with me on this, perhaps you need to freshen up on NSAIDs again ? ? ?

 

Or maybe the Board Certified Specialist that I'm married to is wrong........lol.

 

Anyone who is contemplating taking these meds long-term, should do a Google search for "nsaids long term" and see what pops up. You can literally read for DAYS about the damage that these drugs can do after extended periods of use.

 

You failed to mention anything about long term in your original post... :good:

[putterzz]

Naproxen (Aleve) and Ibuprofen are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Aleve has a longer half-life, therefore longer acting. Ibuprofen in doses around 600mg (3 OTC tabs) provides anti-inflammatory effects with minimal side effects if taken short term (<2 weeks), in order to get the 'true' anti-inflammatory benefits it must be scheduled at least 3 times daily for several days. The major side effects are gastic ulceration (associated with long term use) and kidney damage (NSIADs constrict renal blood flow and therefore can cause unwanted renal effects in people with pre-existing kidney damage or are taking other medications that may compromise renal blood flow.

[weten2]

I'm not married to a doc or nurse or pharmicist and started this topic to see if there are other benefits than pain relief to taking these medications. I thought I heard they can speed up healing??? True or false?

If it just aids in pain relief and not healing I won't be taking an for an extended period.

[grizzlyblades]

I just use a tennis elbow wrap for my tennis elbow problem(a fking pain). it does help me with extended practices and prevents severe pain the next morning.

[Hidalgo]

I'm not married to a doc or nurse or pharmicist and started this topic to see if there are other benefits than pain relief to taking these medications. I thought I heard they can speed up healing??? True or false?

If it just aids in pain relief and not healing I won't be taking an for an extended period.

 

NSAIDs have ZERO healing properties. They only mask pain, and reduce inflammation. They have no impact on the CAUSE of the inflammation.

[jrjones60]

I use to have excrutiating pain in my elbow by the time I finished 18 holes. Someone recommended this wrist band and I tried it. I've never had even the slightest discomfort since I started wearing it to play golf. Here's the link to the product:

 

http://www.tennis-experts.com/tenex-elbow-shock-watch.html

 

Good luck and I hope it works for you as well as it has for me. Hit 'em Straight.

[Bobcat 2]

ICE anyone?

[Greenie]

as for 600-700mg of ibuprofen twice a day, that's not an abnormal dose. 800mg three times a day is very common for dental procedures as ibuprofen is more effective for dental pain than many narcotics. I've been a registered pharmacist for the last 32 years and both of these medications aid people who need pain relief without the danger of addiction, constipation and other side effects. I know many an arthritic individual who take these drugs, in prescribed dosages, for years without issue.

 

Well...as a MD for 26 years...I'll take my wife's word over your's. No offense.

 

Perhaps you misunderstood my statement about the dosage. I agree that the amount of ibuprofen you mentioned taken BID is safe when used for certain conditions...But NOT for expended periods of time (aka...8-10 weeks or longer as was suggested to me). If you disagree with me on this, perhaps you need to freshen up on NSAIDs again ? ? ?

 

Or maybe the Board Certified Specialist that I'm married to is wrong........lol.

 

Anyone who is contemplating taking these meds long-term, should do a Google search for "nsaids long term" and see what pops up. You can literally read for DAYS about the damage that these drugs can do after extended periods of use.

 

 

I really need to check up on nsaids long term.I herniated 2 discs in my lower back in 1988.At that time I was advised against surgery.After so long on pain meds my doctor told me to take advil.For over a year I popped them like candy.Since then I usually take anywhere from 2 to eight advil a day .Closer to 4 .I went to a liver specialist back in 2004 over concern about the Advil.He asked why I was there,I told him because of the prolonged use of Advil and he said he not to worry because the dosages I was taken shouldn't be of concern. He did some blood work and now it's been four more years.I know the documentation is out there.I have read it.I just wanted to say it's been since 1988 for me almost daily and I am still alive.I am not here to stir the pot.Just stating my experience.

[Hidalgo]

I really need to check up on nsaids long term.I herniated 2 discs in my lower back in 1988.At that time I was advised against surgery.After so long on pain meds my doctor told me to take advil.For over a year I popped them like candy.Since then I usually take anywhere from 2 to eight advil a day .Closer to 4 .I went to a liver specialist back in 2004 over concern about the Advil.He asked why I was there,I told him because of the prolonged use of Advil and he said he not to worry because the dosages I was taken shouldn't be of concern. He did some blood work and now it's been four more years.I know the documentation is out there.I have read it.I just wanted to say it's been since 1988 for me almost daily and I am still alive.I am not here to stir the pot.Just stating my experience.

 

IMO, just consider yourself "fortunate".

 

As for "stirring the pot", there's not anything to stir. Long-term use of nsaids at higher dosages is dangerous. That's not anyone's opinion...it's a fact. The results are documented and proven more than once in clinical trials. The FDA has issued several warnings. What more proof is needed?

 

I'm glad that you are healthy and doing well. But if I were you...I'd consider alternative ways to treat your back damage. I too have a herniated disc. Inversion tables and stretching exercises keep mine pretty tolerable. I know that every injury responds to treatment and drugs in different ways, but there MIGHT be alternatives out there that you could try.

 

Once again, I'm glad to hear that you are healthy after those dosages of Advil. Count your blessings.

[D'KRUSHER]

as for 600-700mg of ibuprofen twice a day, that's not an abnormal dose. 800mg three times a day is very common for dental procedures as ibuprofen is more effective for dental pain than many narcotics. I've been a registered pharmacist for the last 32 years and both of these medications aid people who need pain relief without the danger of addiction, constipation and other side effects. I know many an arthritic individual who take these drugs, in prescribed dosages, for years without issue.

 

Well...as a MD for 26 years...I'll take my wife's word over your's. No offense.

 

Perhaps you misunderstood my statement about the dosage. I agree that the amount of ibuprofen you mentioned taken BID is safe when used for certain conditions...But NOT for expended periods of time (aka...8-10 weeks or longer as was suggested to me). If you disagree with me on this, perhaps you need to freshen up on NSAIDs again ? ? ?

 

Or maybe the Board Certified Specialist that I'm married to is wrong........lol.

 

Anyone who is contemplating taking these meds long-term, should do a Google search for "nsaids long term" and see what pops up. You can literally read for DAYS about the damage that these drugs can do after extended periods of use.

 

 

I really need to check up on nsaids long term.I herniated 2 discs in my lower back in 1988.At that time I was advised against surgery.After so long on pain meds my doctor told me to take advil.For over a year I popped them like candy.Since then I usually take anywhere from 2 to eight advil a day .Closer to 4 .I went to a liver specialist back in 2004 over concern about the Advil.He asked why I was there,I told him because of the prolonged use of Advil and he said he not to worry because the dosages I was taken shouldn't be of concern. He did some blood work and now it's been four more years.I know the documentation is out there.I have read it.I just wanted to say it's been since 1988 for me almost daily and I am still alive.I am not here to stir the pot.Just stating my experience.

 

=====

Thanks for this post... cause I am heading to a long Advil relationship. I think I can get by with 2 per day on Golf Days....

[drjable]

I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist 4 years ago. this wrist bothers me all day, typing, driving a car etc... it killed my golf game for two years as i could not properly support club or hit the ground for a divot. after two years i finally tried aleve and WOW. miracle for me, after taking a pill an hour later i have zero pain for 8 hours. advil never helped a bit. i only take 2 or 3 a month as unfortunately this is all the golf i get to play right now. i'm 32 years old with a 1 year old child so golf has slowed down for awhile. i swear by aleve and can not play golf without it now.

[golow]

Ibuprofen use in the short term at a dose of 1200 mg/day carries less of a risk for gastrointestinal complications than placebo

 

Ibuprofen use at same dose both short (10 days) and long term (1 year to 8) does not increase risk for renal complications for healthy individuals or febrile (fever) infants

 

1200 mg/day in the elderly (10 days) shows no statistically significant increase in renal insufficiency. Same study repeated with 1600 mg/day for 14 days yielded identical results.

 

Prolonged daily use (>1 year) in the elderly carried an increased incidence of acquired renal failure of 1% for 1200 mg/day, 1.5% for 2400 mg/day and not quite 2% for a >2400 mg/day dose as compared to the incidence of the non/NSAID popping >65 year old community (control group) .... remember thats for the elderly.

 

If you are in good health and free from kidney disease (polycystic or renal hypertension) and diabetes you are in the clear (I'm 99% sure :rolleyes: )

 

I'm surrounded by board certified peeps all day every day ... hey are just like every other cross section of the population. Some be smart, some be dumb, some generalize their train wreck patients to the general pop. I hate when I hear a specialist (lets go with Renal) say I've seen Advil do serious damage .... of course you have. If I'm the 1 in 1000 who have the full blown death's door side effect in full effect, I'm either going to see the Renal specialist or they'll come find me after I'm all tubed up in the ICU.

 

Consult your physician if you are at high risk, mention it to him/her anyway. If you are paranoid or proactive (fine line) have a blood chemistry done annually (electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, albumin, and plasma renin concentrate). Free with some insurances, nominal costs with others, $60 for the self pay patient.

 

Naproxen does have a longer excretory half life (4 hours vs 2) and carries a higher risk for all of the above (still insignificant BTW). I hate the heartburn I get with Alleve - your mileage may vary.

 

Sorry for the rant.

 

Edited cuz spelling is hard

 

golow

[Greenie]

I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist 4 years ago. this wrist bothers me all day, typing, driving a car etc... it killed my golf game for two years as i could not properly support club or hit the ground for a divot. after two years i finally tried aleve and WOW. miracle for me, after taking a pill an hour later i have zero pain for 8 hours. advil never helped a bit. i only take 2 or 3 a month as unfortunately this is all the golf i get to play right now. i'm 32 years old with a 1 year old child so golf has slowed down for awhile. i swear by aleve and can not play golf without it now.

 

 

I have tried most everything for my injury and pain.Aleve was one that didn't do a thing for me . I auctually thought I putted bad when using it out on the course too.I don't know why.Goes to show you what might work for one might not work for another.My friend has carpal tunnel and he swears by Aleve too.

[binorx]

Ibuprofen use in the short term at a dose of 1200 mg/day carries less of a risk for gastrointestinal complications than placebo

 

Ibuprofen use at same dose both short (10 days) and long term (1 year to 8) does not increase risk for renal complications for healthy individuals or febrile (fever) infants

 

1200 mg/day in the elderly (10 days) shows no statistically significant increase in renal insufficiency. Same study repeated with 1600 mg/day for 14 days yielded identical results.

 

Prolonged daily use (>1 year) in the elderly carried an increased incidence of acquired renal failure of 1% for 1200 mg/day, 1.5% for 2400 mg/day and not quite 2% for a >2400 mg/day dose as compared to the incidence of the non/NSAID popping >65 year old community (control group) .... remember thats for the elderly.

 

If you are in good health and free from kidney disease (polycystic or renal hypertension) and diabetes you are in the clear (I'm 99% sure :rolleyes: )

 

I'm surrounded by board certified peeps all day every day ... hey are just like every other cross section of the population. Some be smart, some be dumb, some generalize their train wreck patients to the general pop. I hate when I hear a specialist (lets go with Renal) say I've seen Advil do serious damage .... of course you have. If I'm the 1 in 1000 who have the full blown death's door side effect in full effect, I'm either going to see the Renal specialist or they'll come find me after I'm all tubed up in the ICU.

 

Consult your physician if you are at high risk, mention it to him/her anyway. If you are paranoid or proactive (fine line) have a blood chemistry done annually (electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, albumin, and plasma renin concentrate). Free with some insurances, nominal costs with others, $60 for the self pay patient.

 

Naproxen does have a longer excretory half life (4 hours vs 2) and carries a higher risk for all of the above (still insignificant BTW). I hate the heartburn I get with Alleve - your mileage may vary.

 

Sorry for the rant.

 

Edited cuz spelling is hard

 

golow

 

Nice recap of the evidence, Thanks. I have sat on several advisory boards for drug companies and nothing burns me more than MD's refuting clinical trial evidence using the old "In my XX years of experience, ...". I've seen college kids with full blown renal failure presumably from NSAIDs but that hasn't changed my view of the class - clinical trials are evidence, experience is anecdotal.

 

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming - to the OP, NSAIDs do not directly aid in healing.

[fly47]

I'm 61. Took 1200 mg everyday for about 5 years for pain due to arthritis in right knee. So far no side effects. Stopped taking in 2008 after knee replacement.

[iCollector]

You should talk to your personal physician about these drugs --- there are so many potential positives & negatives for both:

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-9368-IBUPR...gname=Ibuprofen

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-1289-NAPRO...e=Naproxen+Oral

 

Talk to your MD.... I personally had a friend whose kidneys were ravaged by chronic Advil use.... He was hospitalized, and recovered... But NSAIDS can cause you trouble as well as relief, so talk to your MD about it.