A doctor has warned that commonly used painkillers can trigger life-threatening complications when used long term.

NHS GP Dr. Mark Porter has highlighted the potential dangers associated with common anti-inflammatory medications – including ibuprofen, naproxen and even normal-dose aspirin – warning that over-the-counter drugs are not always as harmless as they seem.

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), designed to reduce swelling and relieve pain, making it a popular option for injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis. Naproxen works in a similar way, while aspirin not only reduces inflammation but also acts as a blood thinner to help prevent clotting.

‘One in 10’ ‘never return home’ from hospital
Because of their effectiveness, many people rely on these medications regularly, particularly those managing joint pain or inflammatory conditions.

However, Dr. Porter warns that frequent use can increase the risk of serious side effects, especially for individuals already vulnerable to digestive or cardiovascular issues.

“Bleeding from the stomach and upper gut is a dangerous condition that, according to an audit led by a team from the University of Oxford, results in at least 60,000 hospital admissions a year,” he said per the Mirror. “About one in 10 of those affected never return home.”

Hidden risks
According to Porter, NSAIDs have been linked to ulceration and internal bleeding, particularly when taken regularly or over long periods of time.

Research published in the journal Gut compared hospital data from 2007 and 2022, examining patients admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding. The findings showed that many of those affected had been taking medications known to increase bleeding risk, including common anti-inflammatory drugs.

“One in 14 was taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory – drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or normal-dose aspirin used to treat pain and arthritis – which can cause ulceration and bleeding,” the doctor explained.

“I would hope that most people taking drugs such as low-dose aspirin and anticoagulants to reduce their risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clots will be aware that these benefits have to be balanced against the risk of bleeding.”

He added, “However, too few people taking NSAIDs realise quite how dangerous they can be to some. NSAIDs account for about a third of all NHS hospital admissions caused by adverse drug reactions, which in turn account for about one in five hospital beds.”

Risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage
Beyond digestive complications, Dr Porter explained that these medications may also increase the risk of other serious health problems.

“And it is not just bleeding from the gut – NSAIDs can trigger heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage,” Porter said, explaining that symptoms may get worse with anti-inflammatory medications, even in relatively small amounts.

“Anyone prone to indigestion or heartburn will know that even an occasional over-the-counter ibuprofen and aspirin can aggravate their symptoms, but if taken long term they can do much worse,” he added.

The reason for this, Porter explained, this lies in how NSAIDs work within the body, reducing inflammation by blocking substances known as prostaglandins, which also help protect the stomach lining from its own digestive acids.

“The same mechanism of action (prostaglandin inhibition) that helps most NSAIDs to ease aches and pains weakens the stomach’s natural defence against its own gastric juices, leading to irritation, ulceration, bleeding and even perforation.”

People most at risk
Dr. Porter emphasized that, as with all medications, the potential benefits should always be carefully weighed against possible risks, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or those already taking certain prescriptions.

“These include anyone on low-dose aspirin (and equivalents such as clopidogrel) or anticoagulants such as warfarin and apixaban, those prone to indigestion or heartburn and/or who have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers, and people with heart failure and chronic kidney disease,” he continued.

“And anyone over 65 who is not on accompanying gastroprotection such as omeprazole.”

Although ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are among the most commonly used medications worldwide, Dr Porter’s warning highlights the importance of understanding their potential risks, particularly when used long term or without medical advice.

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