Analysis: Interesting research, but it does not mean it's a breakthrough

Published on 02/03/2011 15:29

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used painkillers and is widely available over the counter. But, like all drugs, it has risks.

The biggest risk in taking regular ibuprofen is that it can cause bleeding in the stomach, indigestion and even stomach ulcers if you take too much.

Doctors would prescribe ibuprofen in patients with conditions such as osteoathritis, minor aches and strains and in children with fever.

This research is interesting, but it is just one paper and does not mean it is a medical breakthrough. Patients and doctors need to wait for further work to be done to prove that ibuprofen does protect against Parkinson's.

• Dr Ken Lawton is a GP in Aberdeen and former head of the Royal College of GPs Scotland.