Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Leflunomide
Severity: Minor
Ibuprofen and Leflunomide: minor 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
Leflunomide's active metabolite inhibits CYP2C9 in vitro and may modestly raise ibuprofen levels. Both drugs can also cause gastrointestinal and hepatic effects, and NSAIDs are commonly co-prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen and Leflunomide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ibuprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Teriflunomide-mediated inhibition of CYP2C9 may reduce ibuprofen clearance.
What to do
No dose adjustment is routinely required. Monitor liver enzymes per leflunomide protocol and watch for GI adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ibuprofen and Leflunomide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Leflunomide's active metabolite inhibits CYP2C9 in vitro and may modestly raise ibuprofen levels. Both drugs can also cause gastrointestinal and hepatic effects, and NSAIDs are commonly co-prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen and Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is routinely required. Monitor liver enzymes per leflunomide protocol and watch for GI adverse effects.
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.
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