If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for prescription-strength ibuprofen (Advil) to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

Yes. Nonprescription-strength ibuprofen (200 mg) is widely available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores. It may be sold under its generic drug name ibuprofen or under the brand names Advil or Motrin.

Prescription-strength ibuprofen (400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg) is commonly given to patients managing arthritis and menstrual pain. OTC ibuprofen is usually effective for mild symptoms caused by fever, flu, headaches, body aches, toothaches, and menstrual pain.

If you prefer an over-the-counter alternative that lasts up to 12 hours, consider naproxen. For patients who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach sensitivity, acetaminophen may be a safer choice for fever and mild pain relief.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what form of ibuprofen is right for you.

Standard over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen (200 mg) is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever. You should not exceed 1,200 mg per day for OTC use unless you are specifically instructed by your provider to do so.

Prescription-strength doses (400mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg) are usually taken every 6 to 8 hours, with a maximum limit of 3,200 mg per day under medical supervision. Always take ibuprofen with food or milk to help prevent stomach upset, and strictly follow the dosing instructions provided by your clinician or the package label.

Ibuprofen (Advil) is generally safe for short-term use. However, it may still cause mild to serious side effects. They include:

• Stomach upset
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Mild dizziness
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Gas

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these serious side effects:

• Severe stomach pain
• Dark stool
• Vomiting blood
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Swelling in the legs
• Sudden fluid retention
• Chest pain
• Changes in urination
• Difficulty breathing

Always inform your provider of any underlying conditions—like high blood pressure, a history of stomach ulcers, or kidney disease—before starting ibuprofen.