Who should avoid NSAIDs?
If you’ve ever reached for a painkiller after a long day, chances are it was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and aspirin are widely used in the UK for aches, pains and inflammation. For many people, they work well and are used without any problems.
But NSAIDs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your health, age or life stage, they may not be suitable, or they may need to be used with extra care. That applies not just to tablets, but also to anti-inflammatory gels and creams – which still count as NSAIDs even though they’re applied to the skin.
It can feel confusing trying to work out what’s safe, especially when pain flares up and you just want relief. In this guide, we look at who should avoid NSAIDs, when caution is needed, and how alternatives such as heat-based pain relief products from the Ralgex range may fit into everyday pain management.
Can you be allergic to NSAIDs?
Yes, it’s possible to be allergic, or overly sensitive, to NSAIDs.
Some people react badly to medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin. These reactions can happen the first time you use an NSAID, or after you’ve taken them many times without issue.
Signs of an NSAID allergy or sensitivity
Reactions can include:
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- hives, itching or a widespread rash
- a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.
These symptoms should never be ignored. If you’ve ever had this type of reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID, you should avoid NSAIDs unless a doctor specifically advises otherwise.
Does this apply to gels as well?
Yes. Anti-inflammatory gels contain NSAIDs too. Even though they’re used on the skin rather than swallowed, they can still trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive.
If you know NSAIDs don’t suit you, heat-based pain relief may be a more appropriate option. Products like Ralgex® Pain Relief Cream and Ralgex® Heat Spray work by providing warming comfort to tight or sore muscles, without using an NSAID. Our pain relief cream uses clinically proven methyl salicylate to increase blood flow to the affected area, delivering targeted heating relief right where it’s needed.
As always, check the label before use and avoid using on broken or irritated skin.
Can heart patients take NSAIDs?
This is one of the most important areas where caution is needed. NSAIDs can affect blood pressure, fluid retention and circulation. For people with existing heart or blood vessel problems, this can increase risk, particularly when NSAIDs are used regularly or for longer periods.
You should always check with a GP or pharmacist before using NSAIDs if you:
- have had a heart attack or stroke
- have heart failure
- have circulation problems
- have high blood pressure that isn’t well controlled.
Diclofenac, in particular, is an NSAID that healthcare professionals are often careful with in people who have cardiovascular risk factors.
What about topical NSAIDs?
Anti-inflammatory gels are absorbed into the body in smaller amounts than tablets, but they are still medicines. That’s why the same warnings often apply. If you have a heart condition, it’s sensible to ask for advice rather than assuming a gel is automatically safe.
Can NSAIDs be used in pregnancy?
NSAIDs are not recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Using them at this stage can affect the baby’s circulation and may cause complications during labour. From around 20 weeks onwards, even earlier in pregnancy, NSAIDs are usually avoided unless a doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks.
For many pregnant women, paracetamol is the first-choice pain relief, but even then it should be used at the lowest effective dose.
What about anti-inflammatory gels?
Diclofenac gels fall under the same rules. These should not be used in the final trimester, and should be used earlier in pregnancy only if clearly necessary and advised by a doctor.
Can you take NSAIDs while breastfeeding?
In many cases, yes, but with sensible precautions.
Certain NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac, are commonly used during breastfeeding because only very small amounts pass into breast milk. However, this doesn’t mean they’re suitable for everyone or for long-term use without advice.
The advice is similar when it comes to topical NSAIDs. Patient information leaflets, for example, often recommend that use during breastfeeding should only be under medical advice. They also advise:
- not applying to the breast area
- avoiding large areas of skin
- using for the shortest time necessary.
These steps help reduce the amount absorbed and protect your baby. When using topical pain relief gels, always check the patient information leaflet for your specific product before use.
Overall…
NSAIDs can be very effective, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Allergies, heart conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding all change the picture, and that’s where reading labels and asking for advice really matters.
If NSAIDs aren’t right for you, Ralgex offers a range of heat-based and non-tablet options designed to support everyday muscle and joint comfort.
If pain is holding you back, speak to your pharmacist and explore the Ralgex range to find a solution that works with your body, not against it.