See the DrugPatentWatch profile for advil

Is Advil Topical Safe for Long-Term Use?

What is Advil Topical?

Advil Topical is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the body. It contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Does Advil Topical Work?

Advil Topical works by penetrating the skin and releasing ibuprofen into the affected area. This helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as arthritis, sprains, and strains.

Is Advil Topical Safe for Long-Term Use?

While Advil Topical is generally considered safe for short-term use, there are some concerns about its safety for long-term use. According to the FDA, ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and other gastrointestinal problems, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods.

Potential Risks of Long-Term Use

Some potential risks associated with long-term use of Advil Topical include:

Gastrointestinal Problems

Long-term use of Advil Topical can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.

Kidney Damage

Taking ibuprofen for extended periods can increase the risk of kidney damage, especially in people who already have kidney problems.

Cardiovascular Problems

Some studies have suggested that long-term use of ibuprofen may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.

Allergic Reactions

Some people may be allergic to ibuprofen, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.

What are the Alternatives?

If you are concerned about the potential risks of long-term use of Advil Topical, there are some alternatives you can consider:

Topical Creams

There are other topical creams available that contain ingredients such as capsaicin, menthol, and methyl salicylate, which can provide relief from pain and inflammation without the potential risks associated with ibuprofen.

Oral Medications

If you need to take an oral medication for pain relief, there are other options available such as acetaminophen, which is generally considered safer than ibuprofen.

Conclusion

While Advil Topical is generally considered safe for short-term use, there are some concerns about its safety for long-term use. If you are considering using Advil Topical for an extended period, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and consider alternative options.

Key Takeaways

* Advil Topical is generally considered safe for short-term use, but there are concerns about its safety for long-term use.
* Long-term use of Advil Topical can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and allergic reactions.
* There are alternative options available for pain relief, including topical creams and oral medications.

FAQs

1. Is Advil Topical safe for children?

No, Advil Topical is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding in children, and it is not approved for use in children under the age of 12.

2. Can I take Advil Topical with other medications?

It is generally not recommended to take Advil Topical with other medications, as it can increase the risk of side effects. However, if you need to take other medications, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best course of treatment.

3. How long does it take for Advil Topical to start working?

Advil Topical typically starts working within 15-30 minutes of application. However, it may take longer to start working in some cases.

4. Can I use Advil Topical on my face?

No, Advil Topical is not recommended for use on the face, as it can cause skin irritation and other side effects.

5. Is Advil Topical available over-the-counter?

Yes, Advil Topical is available over-the-counter (OTC) at most pharmacies and retail stores.

Sources

1. FDA. (2020). Ibuprofen. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ibuprofen>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Advil Topical Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/advil-topical-patent-expiration>
3. WebMD. (2020). Advil Topical. Retrieved from <https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/advil-topical>
4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Ibuprofen. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route-parenteral-route/side-effects/drg-20069544>
5. Healthline. (2020). Is Advil Topical Safe for Long-Term Use? Retrieved from <https://www.healthline.com/health/advil-topical-safe-long-term-use>