Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Ticagrelor
Severity: Major
Diclofenac and Ticagrelor: 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
NSAIDs added to ticagrelor increase the risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs also carry cardiovascular risk in the patients typically treated with ticagrelor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Ticagrelor 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.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ticagrelor belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive platelet inhibition combined with NSAID-induced gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid regular NSAID use and use paracetamol where possible. If unavoidable, give the shortest course with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
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 Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
Other interactions of Ticagrelor
- Itraconazole + Ticagrelor Contraindicated
- Ketoconazole + Ticagrelor Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Ticagrelor Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Ticagrelor Major
- Abrocitinib + Ticagrelor Major
- Acalabrutinib + Ticagrelor Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Ticagrelor?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diclofenac and Ticagrelor 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. NSAIDs added to ticagrelor increase the risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs also carry cardiovascular risk in the patients typically treated with ticagrelor.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Ticagrelor?
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 regular NSAID use and use paracetamol where possible. If unavoidable, give the shortest course with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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