Phorpain gel and Phorpain forte gel both contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX).
Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
When ibuprofen is applied to the skin (topical application) it is absorbed through the skin into the underlying tissues, where it reduces pain and inflammation in the local area.
Phorpain gel and Phorpain forte gel can be used to relieve the pain of muscular and joint conditions such as sprains, strains, backache and rheumatism. They should be massaged gently into the affected area.
This medicine is for external use only.
Do not apply to broken skin. Avoid contact with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
You should not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of side effects.
This medicine should not be used for longer than a few weeks unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.
If you experience any side effects from this medicine, in particular a rash, stop using it and seek medical advice.
Not to be used in
Broken, damaged, infected or diseased skin.
People in whom aspirin or other medicines in this class (NSAIDs), cause attacks of asthma, itchy rash (urticaria) or nasal inflammation (rhinitis).
Phorpain gel and Phorpain forte gel are not recommended for children under 14 years of age unless instructed by a doctor.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
This medicine should not be used in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor, as sufficient may be absorbed to affect the baby. When used in the third trimester ibuprofen may delay labour, increase the length of labour and cause complications in the newborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
The manufacturer of this medicine recommends that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. However, ibuprofen taken by mouth passes into breast milk in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby, hence topical ibuprofen is also unlikely to be harmful. As with all medicines, seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Skin rashes.
Abdominal pain.
Indigestion (dyspepsia).
Allergic reactions such as asthma, narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
When it is used on unbroken skin this medicine is unlikely to be absorbed in sufficient amounts to affect other medicines that are being taken by mouth. However, if it is used with aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen taken by mouth, there may be an increased chance of side effects.
Shipping charges mainland GB zone1
| Value | Weight | Delivery Charge |
| Over £49.00 | Any Weight | FREE |
| Under £49.00 | No weight limit | £4.50 |
| Under £49.00 | Under 250 grams | £3.49 |
Most orders are despatched the same day and standard delivery is 3 to 5 working days from despatch. FAST Expedited options are available at extra cost - these usually arrive in 24-48hrs from dispatch but delays are possible during busy periods.
Postcodes outside of Zone 1 (including some areas within mainland UK) may incur extra carriage charges due to surcharges imposed by the couriers. These will be calculated on the website at the checkout.
NB: Orders placed with faster delivery must be placed before 13:00 to ensure same day dispatch (excluding weekends and bank holidays). Please also check on the product page that the items ordered show 'In Stock' otherwise your order will be delayed until the stock becomes available, which in most cases will only be 24hrs.
Estimated "Usually shipped in" information is shown against most products
Overseas orders
We no longer send goods outside of the UK.
Prescription Items
Prescription items will be sent on receipt of a legally valid signed and dated prescription.
Pick up
We offer a pickup service for orders placed over the phone.
Please ring us on 01833 641112 for more information.
Refrigerated Items
- Refrigerated lines Packaging Cost: Despatched with Woolcool Refrigerated Packaging for £7.50.
- Receipt Required: Someone must be available to receive the delivery. Woolcool packaging is designed for temperature-controlled goods, so parcels cannot be left unattended.
- Immediate Refrigeration: Upon receipt, refrigerate the contents immediately to ensure your food or medicine remains at the correct temperature.
- Failed Delivery Attempts: We are not responsible for the cost of replacements if a delivery attempt fails due to the absence of someone to receive it.
We want you to be completely satisfied with any purchase. If not any item* can be returned to us within 14 days of receipt for exchange or refund Please give us a ring for a returns number on 01833 641112 or alternatively email sales@hyperdrug.co.uk to obtain a returns number.
*Due to legal requirements medicines may not be returned except to correct an error in despatch or in response to an "official recall". If an item is believed to be faulty it should be returned for inspection and it may be necessary to forward it to the manufacturers for testing before replacements or refunds can be authorised. This does not infringe legal rights. Please contact our customer services for a "Returns Number" which must appear on the outside of the package or it will not be accepted. We advise customers to use an insured method of shipping and to retain proof of despatch. We may refuse returns on products specially obtained or manufactured to order. Items must be returned unsoiled and unused and sent adequately packed and carriage paid.
