Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug uses temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: backache menstrual cramps headache the common cold minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever toothache muscular aches allergy alert: ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction pecially in people allergic to aspirin. symptoms may incluie facial swelling okin reddening hives ishock asthma (wheezing) blisters rash an allergic reaction occurs