There’s a good chance you’ve got a bottle of ibuprofen in your medicine cabinet right now. Maybe you even carry around a few tablets in your purse in case of unexpected cramps or pains. Available under the brand names Advil and Motrin, this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is one of the most bought over-the-counter (OTC) medications in the country. But just because it’s common doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always safe to take.

“Ibuprofen is used so frequently because it works effectively, it can be absorbed quickly, and is available everywhere. To be fair, the occasional dose (once or twice a week, or just after an injury) usually does not cause big problems,” shares double board-certified pain expert Thomas Pontinen, MD. “The issue is taking two, maybe three, tablets every mor

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