How risky is taking ibuprofen while o... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

31,291 members36,953 posts

How risky is taking ibuprofen while on Xarelto?

Goldenre profile image
18 Replies

I've got some pain in finger joints due to osteoarthritis and would love to be able to take an occasional ibuprofen. I know it's not recommended but Tylenol does nothing for this pain. Am wondering what the risk is.

Written by
Goldenre profile image
Goldenre
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
18 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

It ‘may’ exacerbate bleed risk but no one could tell you actual figures. The MAIN concern with any NSAID would always be that it is known to cause AF so if you take it, expect your AF to get worse.

You might discuss using a topical gel form? I use only Paracetamol occasionally to help me sleep and found that heat treatment - hot foot baths - and acupuncture and medicinal oils along with supplementing with 1g/daily of Glucosamine MSM (on recommendation of arthritis specialist GP) and exercising keep pain tolerable.

There are a lot of suggestions on the NHS site and the Stop Arthritis site. Acupuncture made the biggest difference. Mostly I have it in my hands and feet.

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre in reply to CDreamer

Thank you for this informative reply.

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply to Goldenre

Maybe it's just because I believe it will help, but I sometimes get pain in my thumb (Not sure what causes it) but I find that applying deep Heat with Arnica helps it tremendously !

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

Hello

Thank you for your post, it is known that Ibuprofen also contains a blood thinning agent and therefore should be avoided if you are taking an anticoagulant such as Xarelto/Rivaroxaban.

I would recommend seeking medical advice for an alternative method of pain relief that would not cause any adverse effects on your prescribed medication.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre in reply to TracyAdmin

Thanks for the reply. I will look into those alternative methods.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

TYTENOL OR IBUPROFEN are NSAIDS.

A Dr may say use sparingly for short period.

Some will say no.

There is a risk of bleeding externally or internally.

But I know what you mean because just 100mg Ibuprofen is marvellous.

3 operations since 2019 and being n PRADAXA 110mg x twice. Given intravenous of morphine I think, I had no pain so didn't need pain killers. Thyroidectomy and 12 lymphs removed.

2nd op given Oxy-norm and paracetamol. I knew it was an addictive substance so 2 days post on 3 Oxy-norm a day . Then paracetamol reduced so that Day 4 no more.

3rd op R Shoulder rotor cuff, no pain and had 1 tramadol each 24 hr for 2 days and used paracetamol then no more.

Nurses persuade even though no pain. They say that if I didn't I would wake in the night and it would be difficult to catch up. The 'law' reads prevention of pain is best.

Other meds you could use are codeine or codeine and paracetamol.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

frazeej profile image
frazeej in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

Tylenol ( acetaminophen) is NOT a NSAID! Repeated use of codeine will cause constipation, which may evolve into worse issues tha the arthritis!

JimF

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to frazeej

Hi

I asked and was told I could not have it.

I think the chemist said it was in the aspirin family.

I agree codeine long term can be like that but introduce prunes.

6 for breakfast. The codeine and paracetamol is better.

If you are wanting to take Ibuprofen in short bursts the Dr may pass it. It certainly was No.1 pain killer or for prevention of period pain. Get it into the blood stream and no pain.

The Gynaecologist prescribed it as Indocid but Ibuprofen as named is in the Brufen family. He said it works for only 5% population and is ideal for stopping the pain of arthritis.

There is no arthritis in all 5 of us in our family - parents and children.

I can sympathise with you when a low dose of Ibuprofen works. I suffered from pain since 12 years for the first 24 hours. I could drop in Church with the pain.

Comfort is it worth the risk - it's up to you.

cheri JOY

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

Thank you for your helpful comment.

Janey1955 profile image
Janey1955

I am on apaxiban I have a mildly arthritic knee. I used Ibrufen topical gel only to find I had, albeit moderate, bruising from my knee down to my ankle, so I would say no

Jane

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre in reply to Janey1955

Interesting that the topical product would cause bruising.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I doubt the full risk is knowable as the state of each persons endothelial lining in their gastrointestinal tract with vary a good deal, as will the effect of an anticoagulant. I wouldn't risk it without express GP approval.

If you tolerate codeine, and if it works for you, that might be an alternative with GP approval,

Steve

goldey profile image
goldey

Has anybody tried this cryo-spray for their arthritis pain? They advertise it on TV here, and it sounds good, I've been wondering if it works? Might be worth a try ---- tidl.com/

2000RedRose profile image
2000RedRose

try white Tiger Balm — great for muscle pain !

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre

Thanks to all for your replies. Something to think about.

petmice profile image
petmice in reply to Goldenre

You probably already know this, but a temporary solution would also be heat, which often helps relieve pain. Try a few minutes with your hands under a hot water bottle. I wear fingerless gloves much of the time because they cover my joints and let my own body's heat provide a little pain relief - meanwhile, I can carry on with my regular activities.

Goldenre profile image
Goldenre in reply to petmice

Good idea. Thanks.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Goldenre

Hi again

Codeine .. side effect. I was offered COLOFAC 160mg AM. Before breakfast with a big glass of water. I 'go' before breakfast every time.

How it works? It relaxes the colon and bowel.

I have 6 weeks of constipation after GA and operation. I gear up with Prunes, Figs, Berries, etc. Stay away from cheese. I have had 3 operations since my stroke in 2019 with AF and 4 days in, Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Operations were Thyroidectomy with 12 Lymphs removed (2 affected). Johnson & J ugly dangerous mesh removed after damage, and Late October Right Shoulder inner cuff.

Also have glycerine suppositories on hand. After 1st operation then I had a Right Shoulder accident in 2020.

You need to be comfortable and from pain.

Take care, JOY

You may also like...

Timing for taking Xarelto

Hi, I always take my Xarelto with my evening meal which I have early. I'm going on holiday, where...

Fearful about taking xarelto

Is there something else I can take or treat the swelling without taking this drug?

Xarelto - did I take it or not?😱

it’s ok to wait until the next dose is due tomorrow evening? I take 20mg every evening x

Severe arthritic pain but can't take ibuprofen. What pain relief is an option?

dose of ibuprofen to get some pain relief that enables me to get some some sleep at night. Does...

Xarelto

have replies. Has anyone had increasing JOINT pain since taking Xarelto/ Rivaraxoban ? GP won't...