Combining Painkillers Can Be Dangerous

Patients who regularly take an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Adv11), and aspirin in the same day have a two to three times higher risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as those who take either alone.

Theory: Acidity in the GI tract reaches more harmful levels when the painkillers are combined.

If you must take multiple anti-inflammatory drugs: Ask your physician about adding a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as lansoprazole(Prevacid), to reduce stomach acid.