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Nurofen
Nurofen
Nurofen
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Nurofen is a brand of range of pain-relief medication containing ibuprofen made by the English-Dutch company Reckitt Benckiser.[1] Introduced in 1983, the Nurofen brand was acquired following Reckitt Benckiser's acquisition of Boots healthcare international in 2005 for £1.93 billion, which included Nurofen, Strepsils, and Clearasil.[2] The brand is primarily marketed and sold in the United Kingdom,[1] other parts of Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In 2016, it was the biggest selling branded over-the-counter medication sold in Great Britain, with sales of £116.8 million.[3]

Key Information

Variants

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Boxes of Nurofen on a pharmacy shelf

There are 11 variants of Nurofen, all of which contain ibuprofen as an active ingredient.[4] The ibuprofen is variously formulated as the free acid, or the lysine salt. For oral formulations, i.e., taken by mouth, it is available in the conventional solid round tablet, a torpedo-shaped solid caplet, or may alternatively be in the form of a soft gel cap. It is also available as a topical gel, which is applied directly to the surface of the skin.[5] In some cases these are marketed as being useful for treating specific types of pain; such as back pain or period pain. The primary difference among the various formulations is speed and duration of ibuprofen absorption. According to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK MHRA), the form of ibuprofen in 'Nurofen Tension Headache' (ibuprofen lysine) is absorbed nearly twice as fast as the form in 'Nurofen Period Pain' (ibuprofen free acid), with the former reaching peak blood concentrations in 38 minutes, compared to 80 minutes for the latter.[6]

Some variants of Nurofen contain additional active ingredients; for example, 'Nurofen Cold & Flu' contains the non-sedating decongestant pseudoephedrine. Others are advertised as being targeted for specific pain types, for example period pain.[1]

Nurofen Plus

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Nurofen Plus is a pain relief medication based on codeine and ibuprofen.[7] It contains 12.8 mg of codeine phosphate (a mild opioid analgesic) and 200 mg of ibuprofen,[7] which is an NSAID. Nurofen Plus is the only product in the Nurofen range that contains codeine.

The original Nurofen Plus tablet was manufactured in two equal parts, joined, and then coated. One part contained 12.8 mg of codeine phosphate, and the other part contained 200 mg of ibuprofen. The tablets could be forcefully split into their two constituent active ingredients, thus isolating the codeine for recreational use. Such drugs have a potential for misuse because they are available freely to the public.[8]

2011 product recall

[edit]

On 25 August 2011, it was reported that several packs of Nurofen Plus were found to contain Seroquel XR — an anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia — in Boots stores across London.[9][10][11] The next day, a safety alert was issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Pharmacists were told to check each package of Nurofen Plus to look for anti-psychotic drugs. Three batches of Nurofen Plus were affected by the alert. Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturer of Nurofen Plus, said that it did not know where the drugs had been switched. The product was re-released in October in cellophane-sealed packs.[12]

Misleading advertising

[edit]

Australia

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In 2010, the Australian consumer advocate Choice awarded Nurofen a "Shonky award" for charging more for "targeted" products, all of which had the same active ingredient as the base product.[13]

In 2012, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration upheld a complaint that Nurofen's advertising of different products for different pain was "misleading or likely to be misleading", and ordered that "any representation that refers to two or more Nurofen products that contain equivalent quantities of ibuprofen and include the same product specific indications on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods must clearly indicate, in the body of the advertisement, that the two products can be used for the same purposes and are interchangeable (or words to that effect)".[14]

In April 2013, the Australian consumer affairs television programme The Checkout ran a story about Nurofen's claims about targeting specific pain. Edelman, the PR company for Reckitt Benckiser provided a statement, some of which was used in the programme. Included in the information provided by Edelman were photocopies of some 'sciencey looking documents' that confirmed that Ibuprofen was 'Non-selective'.[citation needed]

In March 2015, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched proceedings against Reckitt Benckiser; for misleading advertising for its targeted pain range. In December 2015, the Federal Court of Australia found that Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Nurofen, had misled consumers with its "Nurofen Specific pain range", and ordered that all Nurofen specific pain products be removed from retail sale within three months.[15] A spokeswoman for Reckitt Benckiser argued that, "[This] specific-pain range" was intended "to help consumers navigate their pain relief options, particularly within the grocery environment where there is no healthcare professional to assist decision making".[16] The ACCC said that the products were found to be "no more effective at treating the type of pain described on its packaging than any of the other Nurofen specific pain products", and sold for almost twice the price.[17] Specific pain range painkillers include Nurofen Back Pain, Nurofen Period Pain, Nurofen Migraine Pain and Nurofen Tension; and all contain the "same active ingredient, 342 milligrams of ibuprofen lysine".[16]

In April 2016, the Federal Court imposed a $1.7 million fine on Reckitt Benckiser.[18] The ACCC appealed the decision in May arguing that $1.7 million in penalties did not act as an adequate deterrent for a company the size of Reckitt Benckiser.[19] In December 2016, the Federal Court increased the fine to $6 million, the highest corporate penalty ever awarded for misleading conduct under the Australian Consumer Law.[20]

United Kingdom

[edit]

Following the 2015 Australian decision, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said that it was investigating earlier complaints about a television advertisement for Nurofen Express, which was alleged to be misleading, as it implied that the medicine targeted muscles in the head.[21]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nurofen

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nurofen is a of over-the-counter medications whose is ibuprofen, a (NSAID) employed for the symptomatic relief of mild to moderate pain such as headaches, dental pain, and menstrual discomfort, as well as for reducing fever and associated with conditions like colds or . The originated from research at Boots Pharmaceuticals in the , where ibuprofen was developed in the and first introduced as a prescription medicine in 1969 before Nurofen's launch as an accessible consumer product in 1983. Benckiser acquired the Nurofen in 2005 through its purchase of Boots' over-the-counter healthcare division for £1.93 billion, integrating it into a portfolio that emphasizes fast-acting formulations for everyday ailments. Nurofen has achieved prominence as a leading branded , but it has also faced significant controversies, including a 2015 Australian Federal Court ruling that certain "specific pain" variants—such as those marketed for or migraines—made unsubstantiated claims of targeted efficacy despite containing identical ibuprofen doses to standard products, leading to AU$6 million in penalties and mandated reformulations.

History and Development

Origins of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, chemically known as 2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid, was synthesized in 1961 by a research team at the Boots Pure Drug Company Limited in , , led by pharmacologist Stewart Adams and John Nicholson. The effort stemmed from Boots' post-World War II initiatives to develop non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) as safer alternatives to aspirin and corticosteroids for treating , addressing limitations such as gastrointestinal irritation and steroid-related side effects. Over the preceding decade, starting around 1953, Adams and Nicholson screened hundreds of arylpropionic acid derivatives, synthesizing more than 600 compounds in pursuit of efficacy comparable to but with improved safety profiles. The breakthrough compound emerged from systematic modifications to earlier arylacetic acids, with ibuprofen demonstrating potent activity in animal models, including carrageenan-induced tests, where it outperformed aspirin at equivalent doses. Adams personally validated its tolerability by self-administering doses to alleviate a prior to a conference presentation, confirming rapid absorption and absence of acute adverse effects, which bolstered confidence in proceeding to human trials. A British patent application for the was filed in 1961, granted in 1962, securing Boots' for the synthesis process and therapeutic claims. Initial clinical evaluations in the mid-1960s, including trials on rheumatoid arthritis patients in Edinburgh, affirmed ibuprofen's efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain, leading to its approval as a prescription medication in the United Kingdom in 1969 under the brand name Brufen. A U.S. patent followed in 1966, enabling eventual global marketing, though widespread over-the-counter availability awaited patent expiration in 1985. This development marked a pivotal advancement in NSAID pharmacology, grounded in empirical screening rather than theoretical modeling, and has since contributed to ibuprofen's status as one of the most prescribed analgesics worldwide.

Brand Launch and Ownership Changes

Nurofen, an over-the-counter ibuprofen-based , was first launched in 1983 by the British pharmaceutical company Boots as a consumer-accessible pain relief product following the of ibuprofen for non-prescription use. This introduction marked a significant expansion of ibuprofen's availability beyond prescription-only status, with initial marketing emphasizing its efficacy for everyday in markets including the and . Boots, which had originally developed ibuprofen in the under the prescription brand Brufen, positioned Nurofen to capitalize on growing demand for targeted relief from conditions like headaches and menstrual pain. Ownership of the Nurofen brand transferred in 2005 when Reckitt Benckiser acquired Boots Healthcare International, the division encompassing Nurofen and other over-the-counter products, for £1.926 billion. This deal, completed to bolster Reckitt Benckiser's portfolio in pain relief and consumer health, integrated Nurofen as a flagship brand alongside acquisitions like , enhancing global distribution capabilities. The acquisition reflected strategic consolidation in the consumer healthcare sector, with Nurofen contributing to Reckitt's emphasis on high-growth OTC analgesics. No subsequent major ownership changes have occurred, and the brand continues under Reckitt's management as of 2024.

Product Overview

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Nurofen formulations contain ibuprofen as the primary active ingredient, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) chemically designated as 2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid. Standard tablet variants typically provide 200 mg or 400 mg of ibuprofen per dose, with excipients such as croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium citrate, and stearic acid aiding tablet integrity and dissolution. Certain variants, such as Nurofen Express available in markets like the United Kingdom, use ibuprofen lysine (e.g., 684 mg equivalent to 400 mg ibuprofen) for faster absorption. Following oral administration, ibuprofen lysine dissociates to ibuprofen acid and lysine, with lysine having no recognized pharmacological activity. Ibuprofen in Nurofen is the racemic mixture, consisting of equal parts of the active S-enantiomer and the less active R-enantiomer, which undergoes chiral inversion in vivo to contribute to therapeutic effects. The mechanism of action of ibuprofen, and thus Nurofen, involves non-selective, reversible inhibition of the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of to , a precursor to and thromboxanes that mediate pain signaling, inflammatory responses, and fever induction. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis peripherally at sites of tissue injury and centrally in the , ibuprofen exerts , , and effects; however, COX-1 inhibition also underlies gastrointestinal risks due to decreased protective mucosal prostaglandins. This dual inhibition distinguishes ibuprofen from selective COX-2 inhibitors, contributing to its broad efficacy but also its side effect profile.

Approved Uses and Clinical Efficacy

Nurofen, a branded of ibuprofen, is approved for the temporary relief of mild to moderate pain associated with conditions such as , , , , , dental pain, backache, period pain, muscular aches, rheumatic pain, and symptoms of colds or , as well as for the reduction of fever in adults and children above specified age or weight thresholds depending on the and . Specific pediatric formulations, such as Nurofen for Children Strawberry Baby (ibuprofen 100 mg/5 ml oral suspension), are approved in the United Kingdom for infants from 3 months of age weighing over 5 kg for the relief of pain and fever, including post-immunisation fever, teething, cold and flu symptoms, and minor aches. Certain variants are indicated for reducing inflammation and swelling in mild . In over-the-counter settings, such as under U.S. FDA labeling for ibuprofen products, it is authorized for minor aches and pains from , menstrual cramps, the , muscular strains, and , alongside fever reduction, with recommended doses of 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours not exceeding 1200 mg daily for adults. Prescription-strength formulations address , , and . Clinical trials and systematic reviews establish ibuprofen's efficacy as a (NSAID) for symptomatic relief in acute , with 400 mg doses achieving at least 50% reduction in approximately 40-50% of patients, yielding a number needed to treat of about 2.7 compared to in postoperative dental models. Efficacy is dose-dependent up to 400 mg for acute nociceptive , with limited additional benefit from 600-800 mg, and it outperforms in reducing intensity by 1-2 points on a 10-point visual analog scale within 1-2 hours post-administration. In comparisons, 400 mg ibuprofen provides analgesia comparable to 50 mg or acetaminophen 1000 mg plus 60 mg for postoperative , though higher doses offer marginal gains. For fever, ibuprofen 5-10 mg/kg reduces temperature more effectively than acetaminophen in children within 4-24 hours, with sustained effects. In and musculoskeletal injuries, randomized controlled trials confirm significant symptom reduction versus , supporting its role in short-term management without altering underlying pathology. Fast-dissolving formulations enhance onset speed, achieving peak analgesia faster than standard tablets while maintaining equivalent overall efficacy.

Safety and Side Effects

Nurofen, containing ibuprofen as its , is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses for short-term use, with common side effects primarily involving the , including dyspepsia, , , and . These effects occur in approximately 5-15% of users and are often mild and self-limiting, though they can be mitigated by taking the medication with food. Serious adverse effects, though less frequent, include gastrointestinal complications such as , bleeding, or , with ibuprofen associated with a of approximately 2.7 for upper gastrointestinal events compared to non-use. This risk increases with higher doses (e.g., above 1200 mg/day), prolonged duration exceeding 7 days, concurrent use of other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, and in patients with prior history or advanced age. Cardiovascular risks, including and , are elevated particularly at high doses (e.g., 2400 mg/day), with meta-analyses indicating a dose-dependent increase in major vascular events similar to other traditional NSAIDs. Renal effects, such as , are more pronounced in dehydrated individuals, those with pre-existing renal impairment, or the elderly, stemming from ibuprofen's inhibition of synthesis that impairs renal blood flow. Rare reactions, including exacerbation in aspirin-sensitive patients and like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported. Contraindications include active peptic ulceration, severe , and known to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, while caution is advised in patients with uncontrolled , ischemic heart disease, or during the third trimester of due to potential fetal renal and cardiovascular harm. Overdose typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and central nervous system effects like drowsiness, but ibuprofen's allows for relatively safe management with supportive care, unlike more toxic analgesics. In pediatric populations, ibuprofen demonstrates a favorable profile for fever and relief, with meta-analyses showing a 41% lower incidence of adverse events compared to alternatives like in some contexts. Overall, while effective, long-term use should be minimized, with monitoring for at-risk patients to balance benefits against these documented hazards.

Product Variants

Standard Ibuprofen Formulations

Nurofen's standard ibuprofen formulations are immediate-release oral products containing ibuprofen or its sodium salt as the sole , without added analgesics or other therapeutic agents. These include film-coated tablets and liquid capsules, typically dosed at 200 mg ibuprofen equivalents for short-term symptomatic relief of mild to moderate and fever. In regions like France, standard Nurofen uses the regular ibuprofen acid form, similar to most standard ibuprofen products available in the USA. The primary product, Nurofen 200 mg Tablets, contains 200 mg of ibuprofen per tablet, along with excipients such as 116.1 mg and 13.71 mg sodium. It is indicated for relief of migraines, backache, dental pain, , period pain, rheumatic and muscular pain, and associated ; it also reduces fever in cold and flu symptoms. For adults and adolescents aged 12-18 years, the recommended dosage is 1-2 tablets swallowed whole with , up to three times daily with at least 4 hours between doses, not exceeding 6 tablets in 24 hours; use is limited to short-term treatment, with medical consultation advised if symptoms persist beyond 10 days in adults or 3 days in adolescents. Nurofen Express formulations employ ibuprofen sodium dihydrate or ibuprofen lysine for enhanced and faster gastrointestinal absorption compared to standard ibuprofen free acid forms, leading to quicker pain relief onset in clinical studies. Examples include Nurofen Express 256 mg Tablets, containing 256 mg ibuprofen sodium dihydrate (equivalent to 200 mg ibuprofen), Nurofen Express 684 mg Caplets containing 684 mg ibuprofen lysine (equivalent to 400 mg ibuprofen), and Nurofen Express 400 mg Liquid Capsules with 400 mg ibuprofen. These are suitable for similar indications as standard tablets, such as , period pain, and muscular aches, with comparable dosing guidelines adjusted for strength—typically 1 capsule or tablet up to three times daily for the 200 mg equivalent.
FormulationActive Ingredient EquivalentFormAbsorption Profile
Nurofen 200 mg Tablets200 mg ibuprofenFilm-coated tabletStandard immediate release
Nurofen Express 256 mg200 mg ibuprofenTablet or liquid capsuleFaster due to sodium salt
Nurofen Express 684 mg400 mg ibuprofenCapletFaster due to lysine salt
Nurofen Express 400 mg400 mg ibuprofenLiquid capsuleFaster due to sodium salt and liquid form

Combination and Specialized Products

Nurofen Plus combines 200 mg of ibuprofen with 12.8 mg of phosphate hemihydrate per tablet, targeting short-term relief of acute moderate unresponsive to non-opioid analgesics alone. This opioid addition enhances effects through complementary mechanisms, with clinical data indicating superior over ibuprofen monotherapy for postoperative at doses up to 60 mg . Availability varies by jurisdiction due to codeine abuse risks; for instance, it remains over-the-counter in the UK but requires oversight in following 2018 regulatory changes. Nuromol (known as Zavance in ) pairs 200 mg ibuprofen with 500 mg per tablet for dual-action relief of moderate , such as headaches or musculoskeletal issues, when single agents prove inadequate. Approved for general sale in the UK on August 16, 2021, this fixed-dose combination leverages additive effects without overlapping toxicities, outperforming either component alone in acute dental trials. Maximum daily dosing limits to 4 g and ibuprofen to 1.2 g to mitigate and gastrointestinal risks. Specialized formulations emphasize rapid onset or targeted delivery, including Nurofen Rapid Relief liquid capsules with 200 mg or 400 mg ibuprofen in solubilized form for quicker absorption compared to standard tablets. These are suited for acute conditions like migraines or fever, where faster peak plasma levels—achieved via fill —reduce time to meaningful relief by approximately 20-30 minutes. High-strength variants like 400 mg doses address more intense episodes, adhering to non-prescription guidelines limiting use to 3-4 days without medical advice. Pediatric suspensions, such as Nurofen for Children Strawberry Baby 100 mg/5 ml oral suspension, adapt the active ingredient for age-specific dosing in fever and mild , with strawberry or orange flavors to improve compliance. This formulation is suitable for babies from 3 months of age weighing over 5 kg and is not intended for infants under 3 months or under 5 kg. It provides relief from pain and fever, including post-immunisation fever, teething, cold and flu symptoms, and minor aches. For infants aged 3-6 months (over 5 kg), the dosage is 2.5 ml up to three times in 24 hours, with use limited to a maximum of 24 hours without consulting a doctor. For fever following immunisation, administer 2.5 ml, with a second dose after 6 hours if required, to a maximum of 2 doses in 24 hours. The bottle must be shaken before use, and the enclosed syringe should be used for accurate dosing. Users should read the enclosed patient information leaflet fully before use and consult a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or worsen or for further advice.

Marketing and Commercial Aspects

Advertising and Promotion Strategies

Nurofen's advertising strategies have historically focused on market segmentation through product variants tailored to specific pain types. Introduced in 2006, the Nurofen Specific Pain Range encompassed formulations for back pain, period pain, tension headache, and migraine, distinguished by color-coded packaging (green, magenta, burgundy, and violet, respectively) and the slogan "Fast targeted relief from pain." This tactic expanded shelf presence fourfold in retail settings, priced at approximately double the standard ibuprofen offering, and supported by a website featuring a pain comparator tool to guide self-selection amid the absence of pharmacists in supermarkets. Subsequent promotions repositioned Nurofen beyond mere symptom alleviation toward enabling an active . A £2 million television-led campaign, launched on February 11, adopted the strapline "for with lives bigger than pain," featuring testimonials from figures like wildlife cameraman Doug Allan to evoke trust and emotional connection. Unlike prior variant-specific ads, it holistically promoted the full portfolio across television, outdoor billboards, press, , and a targeted one-day cinema rollout using digital out-of-home technology. Contemporary efforts integrate social issue advocacy, notably the gender pain gap. The "See My Pain" campaign, developed by McCann London and launched in the on November 13, 2023, deployed videos of authentic women's experiences, satirical packaging for fictional products mocking dismissals (such as "It's all in your head"), and a proprietary report documenting that 50% of women perceive their pain as undervalued due to gender biases. Tactics extended to free training modules via the brand website, yielding coverage in over 380 media outlets, an audience reach exceeding 583 million, and a gold award for Purpose-Led Campaign at the 2023 Healthcare Impact Awards. Broader promotional vehicles have encompassed character-driven narratives in multi-channel executions, including an £11 million cross-platform initiative depicting everyday pain scenarios, alongside print, outdoor, and digital formats under campaigns like "What the @*!$?" and "Express." Following the brand's debut, a 1989 advertising push sought to counter stagnating growth by innovating visual and messaging elements to recapture consumer attention in a maturing sector.

Global Market Performance

Nurofen, a leading over-the-counter ibuprofen under , contributes to the company's segment, which encompasses self-care products and reported net revenues of £5,882 million in on an IFRS basis, reflecting like-for-like growth of 2.1% driven by volume declines offset by pricing and mix improvements. This segment, representing about 33% of Reckitt's , saw broad-based performance from non-seasonal brands including Nurofen, amid challenges in seasonal over-the-counter categories like and flu remedies. Nurofen's growth was particularly strong across multiple European markets, supported by expanded supply capacity and innovations such as liquid capsules rolled out in and sustained-release formulations launched in , which elicited promising early consumer responses. In key established markets, Nurofen maintains dominant positions as the leading analgesic brand in , , and , leveraging campaigns like "See My Pain" to address unmet needs such as the gender pain gap. In the , it commanded approximately 29% of the pain relief as of 2022, with annual sales of around £186 million that year. Australian operations under Benckiser Healthcare, which include Nurofen alongside other brands like , generated total revenues of AUD 427 million in 2024. These regional strengths align with broader trends in the global ibuprofen market, valued at USD 1.46 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2033 at a of 2.6%, fueled by rising demand for accessible in aging populations and emerging economies. Reckitt does not disclose consolidated global revenues specifically for Nurofen, integrating it within the segment's powerbrands portfolio, but its role in driving non-seasonal growth underscores sustained commercial viability despite competitive pressures and occasional category headwinds like weak flu seasons. Ongoing expansions, including smaller Nuromol pack sizes in to boost household penetration and mini liquid capsules in select markets, position Nurofen for further gains in developing regions. Overall, Nurofen's performance reflects 's emphasis on and market share retention, with 55% of the Health segment's top category market units holding or gaining positions in 2024.

Controversies

2011 Product Recall

In August 2011, Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of Nurofen Plus (a combination of ibuprofen and ), discovered blister strips containing unauthorized medications in select packs during routine quality checks. Specifically, strips of Seroquel XL (, an ) were found in three packs, and additional investigations revealed Neurotonin (, an for ) in others, prompting an urgent alert from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on August 25. No adverse health effects were reported from consumption of the tampered products. The company immediately recalled approximately 250,000 packs of affected Nurofen Plus in pack sizes of 12, 16, 24, and 32 tablets, distributed since April 30, , as a precautionary measure while suspecting deliberate . On August 27, Reckitt Benckiser expanded the action to all remaining unexpired stock of Nurofen Plus across the market, classifying it as a Class 1 recall due to the potential risks of ingesting the wrong active ingredients, which could lead to serious side effects like , cardiovascular issues, or interactions with other medications. Police launched a formal investigation into the tampering, believed to have occurred during , but no perpetrator was publicly identified, and the incident was isolated to Nurofen Plus with no impact on other Nurofen variants. Distribution halted on August 26, and consumers were advised to return any Nurofen Plus packs to pharmacies or retailers for refunds, with the MHRA emphasizing the low likelihood of widespread contamination but urging vigilance. By late September 2011, the product resumed sales in tamper-evident, resealable packaging to prevent future intrusions, reflecting enhanced security measures implemented by the manufacturer. The event underscored vulnerabilities in packaging but resulted in no confirmed injuries, with Benckiser confirming the did not compromise the overall production integrity beyond the affected strips.

Claims of Targeted Pain Relief

Reckitt Benckiser marketed a range of Nurofen Specific Pain products, including variants labeled for , period pain, , and pain, positioning them as targeted solutions that provided faster or more effective relief for those particular conditions compared to standard ibuprofen formulations. Packaging and website claims suggested these products contained specialized formulations or were optimized for specific pain types, such as implying superior absorption or efficacy for or . In reality, all four Specific Pain products contained identical caplets with 200 mg of ibuprofen lysine, indistinguishable from the standard Nurofen offering and lacking any unique active ingredients or delivery mechanisms to justify targeted claims. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated legal action in March 2015, alleging these representations violated consumer law by misleading purchasers into believing the products offered condition-specific benefits not available in general ibuprofen products. Federal Court Justice James Edelman ruled in December 2015 that the claims were misleading, as the products provided no greater relief for the advertised pains than standard equivalents, ordering their withdrawal from sale, corrective advertising, and an injunction against similar representations. The penalty, initially set at A$1.7 million in April 2016, was increased to A$6 million by the Full Federal Court in December 2016 following an ACCC appeal, citing the company's global revenue from the misleading strategy and the need for deterrence. A subsequent in 2016 sought refunds for affected consumers, highlighting how the premium pricing—up to 250% higher than standard ibuprofen—exploited perceived specificity without clinical substantiation. Similar scrutiny arose in the , where the Advertising Standards Authority banned a Nurofen TV advertisement for implying the product offered specialized beyond general ibuprofen effects, lacking evidence of superior efficacy for targeted conditions. An investigation into Nurofen Express claims in 2015 found unsubstantiated assertions of faster , reinforcing that standard ibuprofen formulations do not differentially target types without formulation differences. These rulings underscored the absence of empirical support for targeted claims, as ibuprofen's mechanism as a non-selective NSAID inhibitor provides broad effects without condition-specific advantages at equivalent doses.

Actions in

In March 2015, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated legal proceedings against Benckiser (Australia) Pty Ltd, the marketer of Nurofen, alleging that the company made false or misleading representations about its "Specific Pain" product range. The products in question, including , , , and , were promoted on packaging and the company's website as specially formulated to treat targeted types of pain, despite containing identical standard ibuprofen formulations to non-specific variants. These claims contravened sections 18 (misleading or deceptive conduct) and 33 (false representations about goods) of the Consumer Law. On December 14, 2015, the ruled in favor of the ACCC, finding that Benckiser's representations were misleading because the products did not differ in composition or for the specified pains compared to standard ibuprofen. The court ordered the immediate cessation of sales and required the removal of the Specific Pain products from retail shelves within three months, alongside corrective advertising to inform consumers of the identical formulations. An initial of A$1.7 million was imposed on Benckiser for the contraventions. Reckitt Benckiser appealed the penalty amount, but on , 2016, the Full Federal Court upheld the misleading conduct findings while increasing the penalty to A$6 million, citing the seriousness of the deception, its duration since 2009, and the company's market dominance in over-the-counter analgesics. The higher fine reflected the need for specific and general deterrence, given the potential for consumers to pay a premium (up to 35% more) for undifferentiated products. Following the ruling, Benckiser reformulated and repackaged affected products under interim arrangements agreed with the ACCC to avoid further misleading claims. In August 2017, Reckitt Benckiser settled a brought by affected consumers for A$3.5 million, providing compensation to eligible purchasers of the Specific Pain products between October 2010 and December 2015, subject to Federal Court approval. This settlement addressed claims of economic loss from overpayment due to the misleading marketing, separate from the ACCC's regulatory penalties. No additional safety-related recalls or regulatory actions specific to Nurofen's ibuprofen efficacy were recorded in beyond this marketing enforcement.

Actions in the United Kingdom

In December 2015, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) initiated an investigation into television advertisements for Nurofen Express following 12 consumer complaints, prompted by an Australian federal court ruling that found similar Nurofen marketing claims misleading. The complaints alleged that the ads implied Nurofen Express provided faster or superior relief for specific pains compared to standard ibuprofen formulations, despite containing the same at equivalent doses. On 29 June 2016, the ASA upheld 18 complaints against a television advertisement for Nurofen Joint & Back capsules, which aired in April 2016 and claimed the product was "specially formulated for joint and back pain." The ASA ruled the ad misleading because it suggested targeted efficacy beyond that of generic ibuprofen, lacking sufficient evidence that the formulation provided superior relief for joint or back pain specifically; Reckitt Benckiser was required to withdraw the ad and refrain from similar unsubstantiated claims. This marked a landmark ASA decision applying stricter scrutiny to over-the-counter painkiller advertising, emphasizing that branded variants must demonstrate distinct therapeutic advantages. No court-imposed fines or product bans occurred in the , unlike in , due to differing regulatory frameworks; Reckitt Benckiser maintained that UK packaging and claims complied with local Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidelines and continued sales uninterrupted. In January 2019, the ASA cleared two subsequent Nurofen advertisements after reviewing evidence that claims about rapid absorption for certain formulations were adequately substantiated by . In December 2023, the MHRA investigated Pharmica Ltd, an , for promoting Nurofen Plus (ibuprofen with , a pharmacy-only ) without ensuring appropriate consultations, breaching regulations on non-prescription sales; the probe focused on compliance rather than the product's formulation.

Actions in Other Regions

In , the Commerce Commission initiated an investigation into Benckiser (New Zealand) Limited following the Australian court's findings on misleading claims for Nurofen Specific Pain products. On December 23, 2015, the Commission reached an agreement with the company to repackage and relabel products such as Nurofen , Migraine Pain, Period Pain, and , which contained identical 200 mg ibuprofen formulations but were marketed as targeted for specific ailments. The investigation culminated in formal charges on September 26, 2016, with 10 counts under the Fair Trading Act for misleading or deceptive conduct regarding the products' nature, characteristics, and suitability for particular pains. Benckiser admitted the breaches, acknowledging that the claims implied superior not supported by the standard ibuprofen dosage. On February 3, 2017, the District Court imposed a fine of NZ$1.08 million on Benckiser (New Zealand), describing the conduct as "highly misleading" and noting the company's awareness of the identical formulations across variants, which encouraged consumers to pay premiums without additional therapeutic benefits. The ruling emphasized the blatant nature of the packaging discrepancies, similar to those in , but tailored to consumer protection laws. No major regulatory or legal actions comparable to those in , the , or have been documented in other regions such as or the , where Nurofen branding is less prevalent and ibuprofen is marketed under alternative labels like Advil or Motrin. The Australian and cases prompted scrutiny in parts of but did not lead to equivalent enforcement or penalties beyond advertising reviews.

References

  1. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5936/smpc
  2. https://www.nurofen.co.uk/why-nurofen/
  3. https://www.nurofen.com.au/pain-advice/about-nurofen/about-us/
  4. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/infographics/a-brief-history-of-ibuprofen
  5. http://www.reckitt.com/us/our-company/who-we-are/
  6. https://pharmatimes.com/news/reckitt_benckiser_buys_boots_otc_for_1-9bn_998907/
  7. https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-targets-alleged-false-and-misleading-nurofen-claims
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22098129/
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