Zap that tension headache (Galpharm Ibuprofen Tablets)

Member Name: jillycat

Product:	Galpharm Ibuprofen Tablets
Date:	14/07/09 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good for tension headaches and period pain

Disadvantages: may not be strong enough for all muscular aches

When taking painkillers for headaches or muscle pains I am a great believer in taking own brand or cheap branded products. The reason being there is no difference bar the box. The active ingredients have to be the same by law so it does matter if its Neurofen 200mg or the cheaper brands like the one in this review Galpharm Ibuprofen the Ibuprofen is the same.

Anyway why this one
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On a recent trip to Wilkinsons I noted they had the box of 16 for 99pence so into the basket it went as I always try to have some Ibuprofen in the house and this seemed a good price.

Why Ibuprofen what is and what does it do?
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Here's the science bit Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).

NSAIDs work by stopping an enzyme a called cyclooxygenase This enzyme is vitial for the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, this substance has a few different roles, one of which is to cause inflammation. So by stopping the enzyme, fewer prostaglandins are produced leading to less inflammation and pain.
So this is why Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and related pain and is one of the drugs of choice for muscular inflammation and rheumatic aches and pains. It can also be used to relieve other painful conditions such as headaches, migraine, toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) and period pain. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.


Directions
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Adults and children aged over 12 years: Take one or two caplets up to 3 times daily, as required.
Children under the age of 12 years: Not recommended.
Caplets should be swallowed with a glass of water.

What I would say is to take them with food as I have know Ibuprofen with some people cause stoamch upsets and this is less likey if you have taken them with food.


Who shouldn't taken them according to the box:
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Do not take Ibuprofen Caplets more often than every 4 hours.
Do not take if you:
· Have or have ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding of the stomach.
·Are allergic to ibuprofen or any other ingredients or to aspirin, or to any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
·Are taking other NSAID painkillers, or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg.
·Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.


Does it work?
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In my experience, ibuprofen is excellent for treating headaches especially those nasty tension headaches that you can get after a bad day at work or starring to long at the computer screen on the dooyoo website. While it is a bit more expensive than either aspirin or paracetamol, I find that it suits me better than either of these. It usually clears up headaches within a half hour of taking a dose of tablets and period pain within an hour. It is also in my opinion very effective in treating period pains and fever, But I have found it to be less effective for injuries, though the incident where I am comparing it to was where I ripped my knee ligaments may mean i am comparing it to an extreme injury. I was prescribed initially diclofenic and then swapped down to Ibuprofen as the healing process was more established and the difference in the two was very marked.

PRODUCT LICENCE HOLDER
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Galpharm Healthcare Ltd
Hugh House
Upper Cliffe Road
Dodworth Business Park
Dodworth
South Yorkshire
S75 3SP
ENGLAND
MANUFACTURER

Galpharm International
(Same address as above)
NOTE

These tablets contain lactose and sucrose. If your Doctor has told you that you have intolerance to some sugars, contact your Doctor before taking them.

Summary: a good everyday pain killer but take with food