Why can't I take ibuprofen during treatments?

I am having trouble walking without limping due to the soreness of the injection sites. If I take ibuprofen (400 mg) once or twice a day, it aids me in my walking. Otherwise, I just want to lie down and not move! I am told to walk without limping but it is virtually impossible to do so without at least 400 mg.

Answers from doctors (11)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Sep 27, 2013

There are theoretical reasons why some docs do not want their patients to take ibuprofen during treatments. I am not one of them. There is nothing that taking the ibuprofen will cause that I cannot fix. The way I see it, a comfortable patient is a happy patient. Therefore, from my standpoint, I would let you take it especially if it helps promote ambulation on your part. You need the walking to help you heal and keep you comfortable.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

There are theoretical reasons why some docs do not want their patients to take ibuprofen during treatments. I am not one of them. There is nothing that taking the ibuprofen will cause that I cannot fix. The way I see it, a comfortable patient is a happy patient. Therefore, from my standpoint, I would let you take it especially if it helps promote ambulation on your part. You need the walking to help you heal and keep you comfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 16, 2013

There is no reason to not take ibuprofen. Some say not to take it because it might thin your blood, but the thinning of blood effect of ibuprofen is insignificant.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

There is no reason to not take ibuprofen. Some say not to take it because it might thin your blood, but the thinning of blood effect of ibuprofen is insignificant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Sep 13, 2013

You can take anti-inflammatory medications like Arnica, which is over-the-counter. This and pineapple helps. The only time I don't recommend Motrin is when someone is on blood thinner, or there is a chance of bleeding.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

You can take anti-inflammatory medications like Arnica, which is over-the-counter. This and pineapple helps. The only time I don't recommend Motrin is when someone is on blood thinner, or there is a chance of bleeding.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 12, 2013

Some think the anti-inflammatory action that comes with ibuprofen and like medications interferes with sclerosing. Try Tylenol if permitted.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Some think the anti-inflammatory action that comes with ibuprofen and like medications interferes with sclerosing. Try Tylenol if permitted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 10, 2013

Ibuprofen is OK to take during sclerotherapy treatments.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Ibuprofen is OK to take during sclerotherapy treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Sep 10, 2013

Most likely your provider has asked you to avoid ibuprofen (and probably all NSAIDS: Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) as they have an anti-platelet effect on the blood and this, in turn, causes your blood not to clot as well and as quickly. This is why certain patients are put on aspirin therapy. Ibuprofen does not cause nearly the anti-platelet effect that aspirin does but it still alters the coagulation cascade. You may want to discuss this issue with your provider, as they may be willing to make an exception or offer you an alternative.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Most likely your provider has asked you to avoid ibuprofen (and probably all NSAIDS: Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) as they have an anti-platelet effect on the blood and this, in turn, causes your blood not to clot as well and as quickly. This is why certain patients are put on aspirin therapy. Ibuprofen does not cause nearly the anti-platelet effect that aspirin does but it still alters the coagulation cascade. You may want to discuss this issue with your provider, as they may be willing to make an exception or offer you an alternative.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 10, 2013

Without more information, it is almost impossible to comment. However, with any type of sclerotherapy injections on the skin or ultrasound-guided deeper veins, there should be little or no discomfort. I would recommend seeing your vascular surgeon or seeking a second opinion from one.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Without more information, it is almost impossible to comment. However, with any type of sclerotherapy injections on the skin or ultrasound-guided deeper veins, there should be little or no discomfort. I would recommend seeing your vascular surgeon or seeking a second opinion from one.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Sep 09, 2013

You can certainly use ibuprofen 400mg 2-3 times a day. There is no contraindication; in fact, the opposite, it is the medication of choice for your problem.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You can certainly use ibuprofen 400mg 2-3 times a day. There is no contraindication; in fact, the opposite, it is the medication of choice for your problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Sep 09, 2013

Not sure, ask your MD. He might be concerned about bruising or bleeding perhaps, although this is not usually a problem.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Not sure, ask your MD. He might be concerned about bruising or bleeding perhaps, although this is not usually a problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Sep 09, 2013

I advise my patients to take drugs like that for several days following treatment, and as needed. I'm not sure why you have been advised otherwise, this is something you should discuss with your physician. Every patient is different, and perhaps there's something about your medical history that caused your physician to recommend that you refrain from taking ibuprofen.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

I advise my patients to take drugs like that for several days following treatment, and as needed. I'm not sure why you have been advised otherwise, this is something you should discuss with your physician. Every patient is different, and perhaps there's something about your medical history that caused your physician to recommend that you refrain from taking ibuprofen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 09, 2013

I see no reason why you cannot continue ibuprofen during sclerotherapy treatment. It may actually decrease some of the discomfort from the needles and reduce any inflammation post-treatment. The disadvantage, however, is that it could lead to more bruising. I don't routinely stop NSAIDS, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.for sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I see no reason why you cannot continue ibuprofen during sclerotherapy treatment. It may actually decrease some of the discomfort from the needles and reduce any inflammation post-treatment. The disadvantage, however, is that it could lead to more bruising. I don't routinely stop NSAIDS, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.for sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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