Doctor says too much of common pill can cause 'gut inflammation'
A doctor warned that taking too much of a common medication could lead to serious complications
A doctor has shared the "one thing" he would "never" do. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, shares his experience and knowledge with his 513,000 followers on TikTok (@doctorsethimd).
The doctor, who graduated from Harvard University has gone viral after sharing that he would never take too much ibuprofen and listed the reasons why. Text over the clip read: "Doctor's warning - 1 thing I would never do as a gastroenterologist."
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (OTC NSAID) used to relieve inflammation, fever, and mild pain. People take the medication to treat headaches, back pain, toothaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and fevers.
The doctor warned that taking too much ibuprofen could lead to a number of complications, including gut damage. According to the NHS, ibuprofen can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut.
This side effect is especially relevant to anyone who takes it by mouth for a long time or in big doses. If you need to take it for a long time your doctor may also prescribe a medicine to help protect your stomach.
In the short TikTok clip, Dr Sethi said: "There is one thing I would never do as a gastroenterologist and that is take too much ibuprofen. Seventy five percent of people who take them regularly develop gut inflammation and one in four can develop ulcers.
"I perform endoscopies regularly and see these ulcers first hand. And savers reduce blood flow to the gut, which can harm its lining.
"I've seen young, otherwise healthy people come in with gut damage so severe they ended up in the ER, just because they did not know the risk of these medications.
"If you're taking these medicines more than a couple times a month, here are three things you can do. First, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Second, talk to your doctor about using a stomach protecting medication. And third, take these medicines with food to minimize the risk of damage to the gut lining."
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