Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Ibugel
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Ibuprofen may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
Possible side effects
directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
IBUGEL
- Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.
- Always replace the cap tightly after use.
- Do not store the product above 25°C.
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the fold of the tube and the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION What Ibugel contains: The active ingredient is ibuprofen (5% w/w). The other ingredients are industrial methylated spirit, carbomers, propylene glycol (E 1520), diethylamine and purified water. What Ibugel looks like and contents of the pack
- The product is a clear, colourless gel that contains no fragrance.
- The gel is available in tubes containing 100g. The packs also contain a tube key. The Marketing Authorisation holder is Dermal Laboratories, Tatmore Place, Gosmore, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 7QR, UK. The Manufacturer is Laleham Health and Beauty, Fairfield, Bradshaw Lane, Greenhalgh, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 3JA, UK. This leaflet was last revised in November 2023. To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only). Please be ready to give the following information: Ibugel, 00173/0050. This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). GP20/23/1 202570
To fit the tube squeezer key:
- Ensure that the tube nozzle has been pierced using the point of the cap.
- Slide the slit of the key over the folded end of the tube.
Prints: Pantone 293
Flat size: 160mm x 315mm
Contents of the pack and other information
continued… Prints: Pantone 293
Flat size: 160mm x 315mm
- Carefully turn the key to roll up the tube until the required amount of gel has been expelled.
- Always replace the cap after use, leaving the key in place on the end of the tube. To use the gel (for adults, the elderly and children over 12 years old):
- Use the gel up to three times a day, or as often as advised by your doctor.
- Lightly apply the gel to intact skin over the painful area.
- Apply only enough gel to thinly cover the affected area, then massage gently until absorbed.
- Wash hands after use, unless treating them.
- Carry on using the gel in this way until your condition gets better (you may find you need to use it for a few weeks, and your doctor may want you to continue using it for longer than this).
- If your symptoms worsen or continue for more than a few weeks, discuss this with your doctor before continuing treatment. If the gel comes into contact with broken skin or gets into the eyes, nose or mouth
- The product may cause irritation if it comes into contact with broken skin or gets into the eyes, nose or mouth. If this happens, rinse the affected areas with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. If irritation persists, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If the gel is accidentally swallowed
- Symptoms may include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and low blood pressure.
- If you experience any of these symptoms contact a doctor or hospital straight away. If you forget to use this product Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use this product, just carry on using it when you remember. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Ibugel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. All side effects listed are of unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data). Ibugel may cause the following side effects:
- Ocassionally, mild skin rashes, itching or irritation can sometimes occur at the site of application.
- Skin becomes sensitive to light. If this is unacceptable, or persists, stop using the product and tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using Ibugel immediately and tell your doctor:
- Serious skin reactions such as:
- reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes. These serious skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms (exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
- widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome).
- a red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever. The symptoms usually appear at the initiation of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis).
- Allergic reactions (particularly in people who have a history of asthma or allergic problems), such as:
- unexplained runny nose and watery eyes, or, in more serious cases asthma or aggravated asthma involving breathing difficulties, wheezing or chest tightness;
- generalised allergic skin reactions involving itch, swelling, inflammation, redness and perhaps blistering and light sensitivity;
- other more serious generalised allergic reactions possibly involving unexplained nausea and vomiting, swollen eyes, face or tongue, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or lightheadedness. Unconsciousness could perhaps occur in the most serious cases.
- Kidney problems (particularly in people who have a history of kidney disease), such as:
- decreased urine volume;
- loss of appetite / weight loss;
- swelling to abdomen.
- Problems with the digestive system (particularly in people who have a history of stomach ulcers etc), such as:
- stomach pain;
- heartburn / indigestion. If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report
Frequently asked questions about Ibugel
What is the active substance in Ibugel?
The active substance in Ibugel is ibuprofen.
Are there equivalent medicines to Ibugel?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Anadin Ultra, Brufen Retard, Ibugel Forte 10%. In total there are 11 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Ibugel, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Ibugel without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: ibuprofen
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the topical treatment of rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains, backache and neuralgia. Ibugel is also indicated for symptomatic relief of pain due to non-serious arthritic conditions.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Apply the gel to the affected areas, up to three times daily, or as directed by the physician. On each occasion apply only enough gel to thinly cover the affected area, and gently massage well into the skin, until completely absorbed. Do not use excessively.
Hands should be washed immediately after use (unless treating them).
Treatment should not normally continue for more than a few weeks, unless recommended to do so by a doctor.
The same dosage and dosage schedule applies to all age groups, although Ibugel is not normally recommended for use on children under the age of 12 years, unless instructed by their doctor.
4.3. Contraindications
Not to be used in cases of sensitivity to any of the ingredients, particularly if asthmatic or suffer from allergic disease, and have previously shown hypersensitivity to aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers
Not to be used on broken skin.
Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with the use of ibuprofen (see section 4.8). Most of these reactions occur within the first month.
If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear ibuprofen should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).
Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients. Although the systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with an active peptic ulcer, a history of kidney problems, asthma or intolerance to aspirin or ibuprofen taken orally should seek medical advice before using Ibugel.
Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.
Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes.
For external use only.
The label will include statements to the following effect:
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not use if sensitive to any of the ingredients, particularly if asthmatic, suffer from rhinitis or urticaria and have previously shown hypersensitivity to aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers.
Consult your doctor before use if you are taking aspirin or other painkillers.
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may interact with blood pressure lowering drugs, and may possibly enhance the effects of anticoagulants, although the chance of either of these occurring with a topically administered preparation is extremely remote. Concurrent aspirin or other NSAIDS may result in an increased incidence of adverse reactions.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.
Although no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated, ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy. The onset of labour may be delayed, and the duration of labour increased. Ibuprofen appears in breast milk in very low concentrations, but is unlikely to affect breast fed infants adversely.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse drug reactions are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 and <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse reaction
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very rare
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) (including Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Not known
Photosensitivity reactions
Skin rash
Pruritus
Skin irritation
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome)
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
Immune System Disorders
Not known
Hypersensitivity 1
Renal and urinary disorders
Not known
Renal impairment 2
Gastrointestinal disorders
Not known
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia
1 Hypersensitivity: hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm, or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritus, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and, less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
2 Renal: renal impairment can occur in patients with a history of kidney problems.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Not applicable. Any overdose with a topical presentation of ibuprofen is extremely unlikely.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Ibugel. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Ibuprofen
- Anadin Joint Pain 200mg Tablets
- Anadin Ultra
- Boots 3 Months Plus Ibuprofen 100mg/5ml Suspension Strawberry Flavour (GSL)
- Boots Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets (P)
- Boots Ibuprofen 3 Months Plus 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension Strawberry Flavour (P)
- Boots Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets
- Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel
- Brufen 400 mg Tablets
- Brufen 600 mg Granules
- Brufen Retard
- Calprofen 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension Ibuprofen
- Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension
- Cuprofen Tablets 400 mg
- Fenbid 10 %w/w Gel