I'm not a big sufferer of headaches, pains, cramps etc but sometimes especially when I am feeling a little run down or low (generally due to stress) I find myself with a headache, one that throbs at the temples and seems to linger. I always try and not take anything or try and sleep through it but sometimes I have to reach for my medicine cabinet or when I am at work my bottom draw!

Typically, I didn't have anything at work which would ease a headache so on my lunch I popped into Superdrug (thinking it was cheaper than going to Boots!) and browsed down the medicine aisle looking for a suitable ibuprofen (paracetemol doesn't seem to work on me!). Among the usual leading brands Superdrug have their own version too and for 99p for a packet of 16 I wasn't going to buy something else which would do the same job.

As most of us know Ibuprofen is taken widely to battle headaches, cramps, period pains, tooth ache to name just a few. Ibuprofen is often used by people who suffer with swollen joints, arthritis and other associated problems as Ibuprofen is a steroidal anti inflammatory drug which helps to reduce the swelling. Ibuprofen was formulated from propionic acid by the Boots Group during in the 1960s.

The packet is a glossy white cardboard box which is exactly the same as pictured on Dooyoo. The cross is more yellow but does feature an image of the ibuprofen tablets as well as the Superdrug logo. On the back of the box is the usual information expected such as dosage, when and when not to take them etc. There is however a slim paper leaflet inside the box which goes into a lot more detail giving safety information too. The tablets come in slim blister packs covered with silver foil. The tablets are circular and white in colour and are sugar coated (smooth) which are easier to swallow.

Following the dosage instructions I took 2 tablets with a glass of water and then thought no more about it! But within about 20 minutes my headache had eased although not completely gone the throbbing on my temples had gone and it didn't feel like someone was squeezing my head. By 40 minutes my headache had completely disappeared and I could finally think clearly without it hurting! Superdrug's advice says that the effects should last 3-4 hours and should you need to re-take the tablets then to do so after this time period but after this time my headache didn't come back.

There are of course some side effects which may happen such as nausea, dizziness, headache but I have never had an adverse reaction to taking Ibuprofen but it is advised that should you have a side effect then to stop taking the tablets immediately and should you need to, visit a doctor.

Since I first bought the packet of Superdrug's own Ibuprofen I have probably gone through half the packet mainly due to headaches but more recently with the colder weather back pain (an old riding injury) which decided to flare up and I find that with a combination of a heat pack and 2 Ibuprofen tablets twice a day that my back pain eases so much that it disappears and stays away for quite a few days. No doubt they are a useful item to have and no have a packet in my handbag and desk drawer at work!

Overall, for 99p I can't complain. They do the job just as well as a leading brand but for half the price which is great. They do what they promise so I'm more than happy to buy these on a regular basis as they manage to relieve my headaches and back pain within at least 30 minutes and the pains and aches stay away which is even better. The tablets are available in store and online so easily bought. 5 green stars from me!