Drug interactions
Ibrutinib + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Major
Ibrutinib and Mefenamic acid: major interaction.
Last updated
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
Ibrutinib impairs platelet function and is associated with bleeding, and mefenamic acid adds antiplatelet effects and gastrointestinal mucosal injury. The combination can increase the risk of serious hemorrhage, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibrutinib and Mefenamic acid 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.
Ibrutinib belongs to Oncology; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive impairment of platelet function (BTK inhibition plus cyclooxygenase inhibition) with NSAID-related gastric mucosal damage.
What to do
Avoid NSAIDs where possible and use paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, monitor closely for bleeding 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?
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Other interactions of Mefenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Mefenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Mefenamic acid Major
Other interactions of Ibrutinib
- Abciximab + Ibrutinib Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ibrutinib Major
- Alteplase + Ibrutinib Major
- Amobarbital + Ibrutinib Major
- Apalutamide + Ibrutinib Major
- Apixaban + Ibrutinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibrutinib with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibrutinib and Mefenamic acid 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. Ibrutinib impairs platelet function and is associated with bleeding, and mefenamic acid adds antiplatelet effects and gastrointestinal mucosal injury. The combination can increase the risk of serious hemorrhage, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Ibrutinib and Mefenamic acid?
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 NSAIDs where possible and use paracetamol for analgesia. If an NSAID is unavoidable, monitor closely for bleeding and consider gastroprotection.
What other medicines interact with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mefenamic acid page.
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