I avoid ibuprofen tablets as they are not to be taken on an empty stomach or they can cause ulcers.
The rub increased my bgs a tiny fraction but beat my agony of pain in my right upper arm from a trapper nerve in my neck. However like you the intense pain may hv been the cause of the little rise.
Any anti-inflammatory med can be detrimental to atherosclerosis so I try my best not to use the rub unless sleep is broken due to my arm pain. (like right now)