Ibugel is an anti-inflammatory painkiller applied to, and absorbed through, the skin.
It is for the treatment of the following conditions involving the musculoskeletal system:
- Backache
- Rheumatic or muscular pain
- Sprains
- Strains
- Neuralgia.
It is also for pain relief in common arthritic conditions.
Ibugel is recommended for use by adults, the elderly and children over the age of 12 years. Children under the age of 12 may also use it if recommended by their doctor.
The active ingredient in this product is ibuprofen. This is one of a group of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ibuprofen works by:
- Relieving pain
- Reducing swelling and inflammation
The active ingredient is: ibuprofen (5% w/w).
The other ingredients are: industrial methylated spirit, carbomers, propylene glycol, diethylamine and purified water.
Side effects
Like all medicines, Ibugel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Occasionally, mild skin rashes, itching or irritation can sometimes occur at the site of application. If this is unacceptable, or persists, stop using the product and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Very rarely, the following side effects can happen with ibuprofen, although these are extremely uncommon with products such as Ibugel that are applied to the skin.
If you experience any of the following, stop using Ibugel immediately and tell your doctor:
Allergic reactions (particularly in people who have a history of asthma or allergic problems), such as:
- Unexplained runny nose and watery eyes, or, more serious cases asthma or aggravated asthma involving breathing difficulties, wheezing or chest tightness;
- generalised allergic skin reactions involving itch, swelling, inflammation, redness and perhaps blistering and light sensitivity;
- other more serious generalised allergic reactions possibly involving unexplained nausea and vomiting, swollen eyes, face or tongue, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness. Unconsciousness could perhaps occur in the most serious cases.
Kidney problems (particularly in people who have a history of kidney disease), such as:
- decreased urine volume;
- loss of appetite / weight loss;
- swelling to abdomen.
Problems with the digestive system (particularly in people who have a history of stomach ulcers etc), such as:
- stomach pain;
- heartburn / indigestion.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Do not use Ibugel Ibuprofen 5% Gel if:
- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients of Ibugel
- You are asthmatic, or suffer from rhinitis (allergic runny nose) or urticaria (hives) and have ever had a bad reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs in the past
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your skin is broken, damaged, infected or diseased
Before applying this product for the first time, make sure it is suitable for you to use:
Because Ibugel is delivered through the skin, directly over the painful area, there is less risk of the complications that sometimes occur when ibuprofen (or a similar anti-inflammatory painkiller) is taken by mouth. However, in rare cases you may be at risk:
- if you have a stomach ulcer (also called a peptic or gastric ulcer);
- if you have ever had kidney problems;
- if you have ever had asthma;
- if you have ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or ibuprofen taken by mouth.
If any of the above apply to you, only use this product on advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Take special care when using this product:
- Use it only on the skin.
- Do not use it on children under 12 years old unless advised by a doctor.
- Do not apply it to broken or irritated skin.
- Keep the gel away from the eyes, nose and mouth.
Using other medicines
- Interaction between Ibugel and blood pressure lowering drugs and anticoagulants (medicines that stop blood clotting) is possible, in theory, although very unlikely. If you would like more advice about this, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you are also taking aspirin or other NSAIDs by mouth, discuss this beforehand with your doctor or pharmacist because these may increase the risk of undesirable effects.
- Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including other medicines obtained without prescription.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You should not use Ibugel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Ibugel contains propylene glycol (E 1520)
This medicine contains 20 mg propylene glycol in each gram.
This ingredient may cause skin irritation in a small number of people who are intolerant to it. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to propylene glycol, please talk to your doctor before using this product.
This product is typically dispatched within 1-2 working days from date of order
Please note that we do not operate at the weekends. Orders placed after 2pm Friday will not get processed until the following Monday morning.
Standard Delivery
Our standard delivery charge is £2.90.
We use a tracked 48 Hour service for our standard delivery.
Next Day Delivery
Due to COVID-19 we are not currently offering Next Day Delivery as our couriers are not always adhering to the delivery timescales, we will introduce this again in the future.
Prescriptions
Private prescription medicines are sent by courier, tracked 24hr delivery, free of charge (all private prescription items have a minimum order value of £5.00). NHS prescription medicines are sent by courier, tracked 24hr delivery.
Normal delivery charges will apply for non-prescription items in the same basket.
Full details here
