Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Major
Acetylsalicylic acid and Flurbiprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Using aspirin with flurbiprofen increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Flurbiprofen may also blunt the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Flurbiprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of platelet function and gastric prostaglandins, with possible competition at platelet COX-1.
What to do
Avoid combining when possible. If both are needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding; take aspirin at least 30 minutes before or more than 8 hours after immediate-release NSAIDs where cardioprotection is required.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
- Amiloride + Flurbiprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Acetylsalicylic acid and Flurbiprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Using aspirin with flurbiprofen increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Flurbiprofen may also blunt the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining when possible. If both are needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding; take aspirin at least 30 minutes before or more than 8 hours after immediate-release NSAIDs where cardioprotection is required.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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