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Can’t take NSAID drugs like ibuprofen or Co-codamol. What else can be done?

(81 Posts)
Lovetopaint037 Wed 30-Jul-25 17:31:34

I had a nasty fall almost two weeks ago.When I have had falls before I have taken the above but saw a warning about not taking them if you have had a bleeding ulcer. I had a very large bleeding hiatus hernia discovered in January which took 6 weeks of very high doses of Omeprazole to heal. So having had them for a short time I now realise I can’t take them so keeping to ice and voltorol. Can anyone suggest anything else? I am 84 and do not want to go to a physiotherapist. If I contact the doctor they will suggest this as apparently you have to see a physio three times before they can suggest anything else. This is the third time I have fallen badly on my back. As well as other falls involving stitches etc. Just fed up as have other problems. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Jaxjacky Wed 30-Jul-25 18:25:01

Paracetamol?

growstuff Wed 30-Jul-25 18:31:54

Co-codamol isn't an NSAID. It contains paracetamol and codeine.

growstuff Wed 30-Jul-25 18:35:18

Incidentally, Voltarol is an NSAID.

BlueBelle Wed 30-Jul-25 18:57:48

Have you thought of acupuncture ?

Magenta8 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:14:29

Don't be put off trying a codeine based analgesic with or without paracetamol. Definitely not NSAID as mentioned before by growstuff.

I can't take NSAIDs orally and that includes aspirin but I have used Voltarol ointment without any ill effects. You might try cannabis cream.

Claremont Wed 30-Jul-25 19:17:24

GN or any internet forum is really NOT, NOT, NOT the place for your question, especially as you have other health conditions. Please see your GP and stay safe.

AGAA4 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:18:44

Try cocodamol first. I found them very effective when I fell badly and hurt my ribs.

AGAA4 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:20:03

Or speak to a pharmacist.

aggie Wed 30-Jul-25 19:30:22

Why are you having so many falls ?
You need to see what is causing the falls

Harris27 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:31:03

I’m taking codrydamol can’t take codeine or anything stronger. I do use voltarol though.

Iam64 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:31:36

growstuff

Co-codamol isn't an NSAID. It contains paracetamol and codeine.

This, cocodamol an effective pain reliever. You need high fibre to avoid constipation

Luckygirl3 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:34:59

If I contact the doctor they will suggest this as apparently you have to see a physio three times before they can suggest anything else - what utter madness is this?

The OP is in pain. They need pain relief, not yanking around. Getting pain under control shroud be step one, not some add-on after they have watched you suffer for months!

MayBee70 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:45:53

Older people shouldn't take ibuprofen. I know of two people that suffered with terrible stomach ulcers from taking it..one was put into an induced coma. I do apply it topically sometimes but never take it in tablet form. Having seen a physiotherapist about my knee yesterday I think my first port of call would be a good physio. Paracetamol is pretty safe but isn't anti inflammatory. Turmeric is but can't be taken if you're on eg blood thinners.

Debbi58 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:54:46

Aspirin

MayBee70 Wed 30-Jul-25 19:59:48

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

Farmor15 Wed 30-Jul-25 20:02:26

Paracetamol taken regularly at maximum dose can be quite effective and safe for stomach,

butterandjam Wed 30-Jul-25 20:29:24

Phone or visit your local pharnacy and ask the pharmacist.
IME they often know more about drugs, drug interactions and side effects than most GP's.

midgey Wed 30-Jul-25 20:40:11

Be careful of Voltarol, if you take certain medications you should not use it. Furosemide is certainly on that list.

RosieandherMaw Wed 30-Jul-25 21:00:29

Debbi58

Aspirin

No not aspirin,it goes for the stomach too, it will have to be paracetamol or if something stronger needs to be prescribed, perhaps tramadol

dollydaydream68 Wed 30-Jul-25 21:00:50

Co dydramol is dihydrocodeine and paracetamol and is stronger then co codamol. Paracetamol is effective if you take it four times a day.

Claremont Wed 30-Jul-25 21:03:29

MayBee70

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

it is truly scary to read such dangerous, possibly lethal advice. GN should not allow medical advice to be given here, truly.

Claremont Wed 30-Jul-25 21:06:57

Not your advice Maybe70, the one you commented on. Possibly lethal for someone with bleeding ulcers.

KimGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 30-Jul-25 21:09:49

Hello, all. Please do remember that Gransnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional. We hope you feel better soon, OP.

Lovetopaint037 Wed 30-Jul-25 22:33:49

Thank you for your answers. I will have to get myself to the local pharmacy for an answer. I had my doubts about voltarol but was so dismayed about the fact that I might be left with no kind of pain relief that I refrained from looking.


was so dismayed