High blood pressure and arthritis

Can you not take ibuprofen Sallywally1? I know it's an anti inflammatory but my husband has high blood pressure and arthritis and his doctor advised him to take both ibuprofen and paracetamol. He finds it works very well.

Oh sympathies Sallywally, that’s a real downer. I couldn’t take anti inflammatories for the arthritis in my hip. I was given Nefopam which is a stronger painkiller but sadly didn’t do much for me. I found warmth seemed the most effective painkiller. Have you looked at Arthritis Uk? There’s a lot of information on their website and a helpline that may be able to give you more information to take to your GP. Hope you find some relief.

Same here and the pain is life changing. I was told it’s the type of bp medication I’m on that prevents use of anti inflammatories, not the condition itself.

It's not advisable to take any Ibuprofen if you have high BP.

I didn't realise. My husband's blood pressure is well controlled with medication but his doctor definitely advised him to take a couple of ibuprofen everyday, even if he is not in pain. I will get him to check with his doctor.

When I was in hospital for a heart op in discussion with one of the doctors they said very few of their patients were in ibuprofen or the likes

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

I await answers!
The GP will not prescribe anti-inflammatories for anyone over 65, apparently.

She just prescribed codeine which has side effects, one being constipation.
And so it goes on.

Nothing works like Naproxen!

I’m in exactly the same situation as you Sallywally1. I saw my GP who said it was bad luck but I couldn’t use any anti inflammatories at all not even tub ib gels. I spoke to the Boots pharmacist who suggested FlexiSEQ which has no NSAIDS. You rub it on the joints then leave it to soak in for 10 minutes. It’s rather expensive. I’ve been using it for 8 weeks before getting out of bed and my joints do feel more flexible and less painful. I also visited a physio who manipulated my joints and showed me exercises - they felt great for a week afterwards! My hands were hurting so much and the top joints have become so deformed that I sold my piano - it was getting me down looking at it yet not being able to play so I do sympathise.

I have just had two joints replaced in my right wrist due to severe arthritis, cartilage has all gone, just bone rubbing on bone. The advice from the anaesthetist was 'take everything, and don't wait for the pain to start'. Sent me out with codeine, ibuprofen and paracetamol, all to be taken six hourly. Only that lot then triggered daily migraines!

I’m 78 and am prescribed ibuprofen as my body doesn't tolerate anything stronger. My BP is mostly OK. The GP agreed risk/benefit sits on the side of benefit.

I saw my GP who said it was bad luck but I couldn’t use any anti inflammatories at all not even tub ib gels.

The nurse practitioner prescribed Ibuprofen gel just a month ago. I have bought Votarol gel and found it better but it's very expensive.
She and the GP seemed to think using the ibuprofen gel was fine.

I was also told never to take ibuprofen by my GP because it is not good for your kidneys if you have kidney issues.

Same here, 67, widespread arthritis and BP (and other conditions).

Despite knowing I shouldn’t I do take Ibuprofin, gel and pills, not regularly, but when the pain becomes too much.

There is another thread somewhere, under health, talking about pain relief in general, if I can find it I’ll post the link.

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

That sounds really difficult to deal with, especially when the usual options like anti-inflammatories aren’t suitable because of hypertension. You’re not alone in this—many people in a similar situation have to look for alternative ways to manage pain safely.

It might be worth discussing other options with your GP, such as topical treatments (like anti-inflammatory gels), physical therapy, or even gentle hand exercises that can improve mobility and reduce stiffness over time. Sometimes heat therapy (like warm compresses) or cold packs can also bring temporary relief without affecting blood pressure.

Since ongoing pain management can involve trying different treatments or products, it could also help to look for a Best Savings Coupon when purchasing supportive items like braces, creams, or therapy tools—this can make the process a bit easier financially while you find what works best for you.
bestsavingscoupon.com/

High strength turmeric with curcumin?

anna7

Can you not take ibuprofen Sallywally1? I know it's an anti inflammatory but my husband has high blood pressure and arthritis and his doctor advised him to take both ibuprofen and paracetamol. He finds it works very well.

My pharmacist actually told me that Ibuprofen was not recommended for over 70s!

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

My mother was prescribed a low dose of morphine, called Oramorph for pain.

My niece was given Gabapentin, but this badly affected her moods and actually made her manic. She is now under the hospital for pain management.

I took a slightly different route and taken Glucosamine and chondroitin for my painful knees, which helps a bit, but a bi-monthly trip to the osteopath is a god send

I, too, have raised blood pressure and was advised against Ibuprofen. However I had a bought of shoulder bursitis and was in agony. I spoke to my pharmacist and she told me that I could take a dose of Ibuprofen occasionally but not on a regular basis. I was so grateful as one dose helped so much.

My Gp neither, he told me it affects kidney function in older people

I’m very wary of ibuprofen after a friend had to be put in an induced coma after ibuprofen caused stomach ulcers. And another friend because very ill after self medicating with it. I do take it occasionally but with plenty of food. I don’t worry about using the gel although it does dry my skin out.I buy Boots own brand Voltarol although it’s a lower strength; sometimes mix it with the Voltarol higher strength gel. Tend to sit at night with a tens machine on my bad knee.

FranP

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

My mother was prescribed a low dose of morphine, called Oramorph for pain.

My niece was given Gabapentin, but this badly affected her moods and actually made her manic. She is now under the hospital for pain management.

I took a slightly different route and taken Glucosamine and chondroitin for my painful knees, which helps a bit, but a bi-monthly trip to the osteopath is a god send

My best friend was totally crippled with arthritis wearing braces on her hands and arms and totally bent over. This was until they put her on Gabapentin, it works a treat for her and on some days she takes up to 800 mg. You would never know there is anything wrong with her at all. She states she never has any pain now. I too was prescribed gabapentin but only 50mg and felt so dozed up it was impossible to function. I now take Oramorph as a top up and twice daily 12 hour relief Morphine capsules together with 2 co-codimol 30/500 up to 4 times a day. I feel half asleep most of the time and still in pain. I have been referred to the pain management clinic for the 3rd time. I have had loads of steroid injections and a back operation too but nothing has helped so far. Pain it so debilitating and life changing. I really feel for you and all other sufferers.

I have Algesal cream on prescription. That's diethylamine salicylate. It helps with the arthritis in my fingers.

Allira

Sallywally1

GP does not advise anti inflammatories because of hypertension, so apart from paracetamol which is not much help, what can I take? It is affecting my hands now and sometimes I am in a lot of pain

I await answers!
The GP will not prescribe anti-inflammatories for anyone over 65, apparently.

She just prescribed codeine which has side effects, one being constipation.
And so it goes on.

Nothing works like Naproxen!

I’m prescribed Naproxen for arthritis and spinal fractures and well over 65….where did this new guidance come from?

And have high BP with hypertension managed with medication- wish someone would clarify 🤞🏻