What is Radian B ibuprofen gel used for?
This medicine can be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with:
- Rheumatic and muscular pain.
- Backache such as lumbago (lower back pain).
- Sprains, strains and sports injuries.
How does Radian B ibuprofen gel work?
Radian B ibuprofen gel contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Ibuprofen works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). In certain arthritic and rheumatic conditions, or if you have an injury, COX makes substances called prostaglandins. These cause pain, swelling and inflammation. When you apply ibuprofen to the skin, it stops the production of prostaglandins in the underlying tissues. This reduces inflammation and pain in the local area.
Ibuprofen is absorbed into the bloodstream less when you apply it to the skin than when you take it by mouth, which means gels and sprays are less likely to cause side effects than products you take by mouth. However, absorption can still occur, particularly if you use large amounts on large areas of skin.
How do I use Radian B ibuprofen gel?
- Adults and adolescents over 14 years should squeeze 5 to 10cm of the gel from the tube and rub this gently into the affected area until the gel is absorbed.
- You can apply the gel in this way up to a maximum of four times a day. Leave at least four hours between applications.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Get medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms persist or get worse despite treatment.
- Don't use Radian B ibuprofen gel for longer than a few weeks unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
What should I know before using Radian B ibuprofen gel?
- Don't apply Radian B ibuprofen gel to broken, damaged, infected or diseased areas of skin.
- Take care to avoid getting the gel in the eyes, mouth or nose. Rinse with cold water if you accidentally get it in these areas.
- Don't cover the area being treated with airtight or waterproof dressings, as these will increase the absorption of ibuprofen into the body and may increase the risk of side effects.
- It's best to protect the areas of skin you have treated from bright sunlight, because the gel might make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- If you experience any side effects from this medicine, in particular a rash, stop using it and seek medical advice.
Who should not use Radian B ibuprofen gel?
- People who have ever had an allergic reaction, for example an asthma attack, itchy rash (urticaria), swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or nasal inflammation (rhinitis), after taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other related painkillers (NSAIDs).
- People who are allergic to any ingredient of the product.
Who should get medical advice before using Radian B ibuprofen gel?
- People with an active peptic ulcer.
- People who suffer from asthma.
- People with a history of kidney problems.
- People with an intolerance to aspirin, ibuprofen or other related painkillers (NSAIDs) taken by mouth.
- People who are already taking aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers by mouth.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (see below).
- Radian B ibuprofen gel is not recommended for children under 14 years of age unless instructed by a doctor.
Can I use Radian B ibuprofen gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Radian B ibuprofen gel should not be used in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor, as sufficient may be absorbed to affect the baby. When used in the third trimester ibuprofen may delay labour, increase the length of labour and cause complications in the newborn baby. Get medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
- The manufacturer of this medicine recommends that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. However, ibuprofen taken by mouth passes into breast milk in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby, hence ibuprofen gel is also unlikely to be harmful. As with all medicines, seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
What are the possible side effects of Radian B ibuprofen gel?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here it does not mean that all people using Radian B ibuprofen gel will experience that or any side effect.
- Using Radian B ibuprofen gel on your skin may occasionally cause a skin rash, itching or irritation at the application site. If you find Radian B ibuprofen gel irritates your skin, stop using it and ask your pharmacist for advice.
The following side effects are also possible with ibuprofen, but are extremely unlikely when using it on the skin.
- Digestive problems such as abdominal pain or indigestion, particularly in people with a history of stomach ulcers.
- Kidney problems.
- Allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock. Stop using Radian B ibuprofen gel and get immediate medical advice if you have an allergic reaction.
Read the leaflet in the packet or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Radian B ibuprofen gel. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?
Can I use Radian B ibuprofen gel with other medicines?
If you are already taking aspirin or other related painkillers (NSAIDs) by mouth, eg ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, there may be an increased risk of getting side effects if you use Radian B ibuprofen gel as well. Check with your pharmacist before using Radian B ibuprofen gel if you are already taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller.
When used on unbroken skin Radian B ibuprofen gel is unlikely to be absorbed in sufficient amounts to affect other medicines that you are taking by mouth.
Other medicines containing ibuprofen
Ibuprofen gels are widely available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Other brands of ibuprofen that are applied to the skin include:
Brands of ibuprofen that are taken by mouth include:
- Anadin ibuprofen.
- Anadin joint pain.
- Anadin period pain.
- Anadin ultra.
- Feminax express.
- Fenbid spansules.
- Hedex ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen tablets, capsules, caplets and suspensions are also widely available without brand names, ie as the generic medicine.
The quantity and strength of ibuprofen supplied in the container or packet determines whether it is only available on prescription, can be bought only from pharmacies, or can be bought from other retail outlets such as supermarkets and garages.
Last updated 29.08.2016