This issue arose when the Swedish medicines regulatory authority (the MPA) initiated steps to introduce, throughout the EC, a change in the information provided to patients taking NSAIDs. The new information warns that the use of NSAIDs has been associated with reversible infertility in women of childbearing age. The MPA’s concern arose following the publication of reports linking some NSAIDs with this problem; the NSAIDs involved were indomethacin, diclofenac, naproxen and piroxicam.

To date, 11 case reports linking NSAIDs with reversible infertility have been identified. All involve women with a medical history of either inflammatory joint disease or connective tissue disease requiring long term treatment with an NSAID. In all cases, normal ovulation returned when treatment was stopped and several women subsequently became pregnant.

Based on this evidence, users can be reassured that over-the-counter ibuprofen (at doses up to 1200 mg/day) is safe for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever.

Can I take ibuprofen if I’m pregnant?
Women who are pregnant should not take ibuprofen unless their doctor, after discussing the risks and benefits, recommends treatment. Ibuprofen should be avoided during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and it is contraindicated during the third trimester.

If ibuprofen is taken during the last trimester, particularly during the last few days before birth, there is a risk that labour may be prolonged. If ibuprofen is used close to the time of delivery, there is also the possibility that it may cause closure of the ductus arteriosus in the unborn child prior to birth and this may result in cardiovascular defects. Other potential problems for the newborn child include kidney problems and a reduced ability of the blood to clot.