Drug interactions
Celecoxib + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Major
Celecoxib 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 a non-selective NSAID with a COX-2 inhibitor offers no added benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular adverse effects. Bleeding risk is raised by flurbiprofen's platelet inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Celecoxib 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.
Celecoxib belongs to Musculoskeletal; Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive COX inhibition reduces gastric mucosal protection and renal prostaglandin synthesis, with added platelet inhibition from flurbiprofen.
What to do
Avoid combining; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. Add gastroprotection and monitor renal function if overlap cannot be avoided.
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 Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen Major
Other interactions of Celecoxib
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Celecoxib + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Celecoxib Major
- Acemetacin + Celecoxib Major
- Amiloride + Celecoxib Major
- Apixaban + Celecoxib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Celecoxib with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Celecoxib 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 a non-selective NSAID with a COX-2 inhibitor offers no added benefit and increases the risk of gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular adverse effects. Bleeding risk is raised by flurbiprofen's platelet inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Celecoxib 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; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. Add gastroprotection and monitor renal function if overlap cannot be avoided.
What other medicines interact with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flurbiprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Flurbiprofen page.
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