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If you're feeling unwell, chances are you've turned to ibuprofen at some stage. While most adults and teenagers aged 17 and above can safely take this medicine, there are particular groups who might not be suitable candidates.

Ibuprofen comes in several different varieties including tablets, capsules, liquid and granules. In guidance on its website, the NHS sets out who should steer clear of ibuprofen and emphasises potential adverse effects, some of which might not be commonly recognised. For instance the NHS warns you shouldn't take ibuprofen orally or apply it to your skin if you've previously experienced an allergic reaction or symptoms such as wheezing, a runny nose or a skin reaction after using aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen.

It also advises pregnant women to avoid this medication. As well as this people of a particular age, or born after a certain date, might also be unaware that using ibuprofen heightens their risk of stomach ulcers.

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NHS guidance states: "If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition."

Anyone wishing to verify whether ibuprofen is suitable for them should inform their GP if they:

• have ever experienced stomach bleeding or a perforation in your stomach due to an NSAID
• have had more than one instance of a stomach perforation, stomach bleeding or a stomach ulcer
• have a health condition that increases your risk of bleeding
• suffer from severe heart failure, severe kidney failure or severe liver failure
• are pregnant or trying to conceive
• have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or if you've previously had a stroke
• have kidney or liver issues
• suffer from asthma, hay fever or allergies
• have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• have chickenpox – as taking ibuprofen can heighten the risk of certain infections and skin reactions