Drug interactions
Enoxaparin + Ibuprofen
Severity: Major
Enoxaparin and Ibuprofen: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK 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
Ibuprofen impairs platelet function and can damage gastric mucosa, which adds to the anticoagulant effect of enoxaparin. This raises the risk of clinically significant bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Enoxaparin and Ibuprofen 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.
Enoxaparin belongs to Cardiovascular; Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive impairment of hemostasis through platelet inhibition and anti-factor Xa activity, with NSAID-related mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid concurrent NSAID use where possible and choose paracetamol for pain. If it is unavoidable, monitor for bleeding and hemoglobin and consider gastroprotection.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Enoxaparin and Ibuprofen, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Other interactions of Enoxaparin
- Defibrotide + Enoxaparin Contraindicated
- Enoxaparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Enoxaparin + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Enoxaparin Major
- Aceclofenac + Enoxaparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Enoxaparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Enoxaparin with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Enoxaparin and Ibuprofen 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. Ibuprofen impairs platelet function and can damage gastric mucosa, which adds to the anticoagulant effect of enoxaparin. This raises the risk of clinically significant bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Enoxaparin and Ibuprofen?
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 concurrent NSAID use where possible and choose paracetamol for pain. If it is unavoidable, monitor for bleeding and hemoglobin and consider gastroprotection.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.