Does Diclofenac Interact With Ibuprofen?
The chance is small but higher if you are age 60 or older have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product apply more or for longer than directed Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Severity: Minor
Severity basis: warnings section. Combining Diclofenac (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) and Ibuprofen (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) is classified as a minor interaction.
What to Do
This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How This Interaction Works
Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) and Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid); together they are documented as a minor interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.
If You Take Both Medications
If you have been prescribed both Diclofenac and Ibuprofen, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
From the FDA Label
The chance is small but higher if you are age 60 or older have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product apply more or for longer than directed Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 005299ac-b6de-511f-e063-6294a90a29e0).
Diclofenac
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Brands: Voltaren, Cambia
View Diclofenac safety profileIbuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Brands: Advil, Motrin
View Ibuprofen safety profileCheck these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Diclofenac and Ibuprofen together?
Diclofenac and Ibuprofen have a documented minor interaction. This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How serious is the Diclofenac and Ibuprofen interaction?
It is classified as a minor interaction, based on the FDA label's warnings section. A minor interaction is usually limited in effect but is still worth discussing with your care team.
What should I do if I'm taking both Diclofenac and Ibuprofen?
If you have been prescribed both Diclofenac and Ibuprofen, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.