Drug interactions
Flurbiprofen + Naproxen
Severity: Major
Flurbiprofen and Naproxen: 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
Taking two systemic NSAIDs together adds no therapeutic benefit and raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury, fluid retention and cardiovascular events. Both drugs inhibit platelet function, so bleeding tendency is additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurbiprofen and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Duplicate cyclooxygenase inhibition causes additive loss of gastroprotective prostaglandins, platelet inhibition and renal prostaglandin suppression.
What to do
Avoid combining two systemic NSAIDs; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. If pain control is inadequate, add a non-NSAID analgesic such as paracetamol.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurbiprofen with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurbiprofen and Naproxen 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. Taking two systemic NSAIDs together adds no therapeutic benefit and raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, renal injury, fluid retention and cardiovascular events. Both drugs inhibit platelet function, so bleeding tendency is additive.
How serious is the interaction between Flurbiprofen and Naproxen?
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 two systemic NSAIDs; use a single NSAID at the lowest effective dose. If pain control is inadequate, add a non-NSAID analgesic such as paracetamol.
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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