Overview

• Official guidance says not to take ginkgo biloba with ibuprofen because the combination can raise the chance of bleeding.
• The NHS advises taking ibuprofen with a meal, a snack, or milk to help reduce stomach upset.
• People are told to avoid combining ibuprofen with other NSAIDs such as aspirin or naproxen without pharmacist or GP advice, though it can be used with paracetamol or codeine.
• The guidance notes that drinking too much alcohol may irritate the stomach while using ibuprofen and that herbal supplements are not tested to the same standards as licensed medicines.
• Users should stop ibuprofen and seek medical help if they notice signs of internal bleeding such as black stools or blood in vomit, and report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme.