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Drug interactions

Defibrotide + Diflunisal

Severity: Major

Defibrotide and Diflunisal: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC

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

Defibrotide has profibrinolytic activity and may increase bleeding risk when combined with drugs that impair platelet function, such as diflunisal. Concurrent use is generally avoided in labeling for anticoagulants and fibrinolytics.

What this interaction means in plain words

Defibrotide and Diflunisal 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.

Defibrotide belongs to Cardiovascular; Diflunisal belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic effect on hemostasis: defibrotide enhances fibrinolysis while diflunisal inhibits platelet aggregation.

What to do

Avoid concomitant use where possible, and monitor closely for bleeding if the combination is necessary.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Defibrotide with Diflunisal?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Defibrotide and Diflunisal 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. Defibrotide has profibrinolytic activity and may increase bleeding risk when combined with drugs that impair platelet function, such as diflunisal. Concurrent use is generally avoided in labeling for anticoagulants and fibrinolytics.

How serious is the interaction between Defibrotide and Diflunisal?

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 concomitant use where possible, and monitor closely for bleeding if the combination is necessary.

What other medicines interact with Diflunisal?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Diflunisal with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Diflunisal page.

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