Drug interactions
Flurbiprofen + Meloxicam
Severity: Major
Flurbiprofen and Meloxicam: 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
Concurrent use of two NSAIDs raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney injury and cardiovascular events with no gain in efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurbiprofen and Meloxicam 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.
Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition resulting in cumulative gastrointestinal, platelet and renal effects.
What to do
Do not combine systemic NSAIDs; keep a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. Use paracetamol if more analgesia is needed.
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 Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurbiprofen with Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurbiprofen and Meloxicam 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. Concurrent use of two NSAIDs raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, kidney injury and cardiovascular events with no gain in efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Flurbiprofen and Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine systemic NSAIDs; keep a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. Use paracetamol if more analgesia is needed.
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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