methotrexate and ibuprofen

[HappyD34]

Sorry, quick question. Am I allowed to take ibuprofen whilst on methotrexate? I seem to have conflicting views 🤔. Thanks in advance

[bpeal1]

That is a question for your rheumatology department. If no joy from them try asking your local pharmacist.

[J1707- in reply to bpeal1]

Yes conflicting. Every medic I’ve asked has a different answer. Pharmacist said not to take on same day . Irrelevant now as I’m now allergic to ibuprofen. Getting naproxen from my Gp is like blood from a stone as all effect liver. Me personally if I need it I take it .

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Don't know But first thing my rumatologist done was

Halt the ibuprofen

And put me on Naproxen with the methotrexate at same time

And contacted my doc to change my repeat to Naproxen, been on ever since

[Jfw24]

I have just asked my rheumatologist this myself, I was told that if I needed it, to take it. I would check with your rheumatologist, there is an affect on methotrexate if you take ibuprofen.

[Bobdylanfan]

My rheumatologist said it was OK to take it if I needed it.

[Cat-E]

My nurse said to take ibuprofen or naproxen with paracetamol if needed to control pain. I believe they are both the same type of drug, just that ibuprofen is quicker acting and naproxen is longer lasting. Both can cause renal toxicity with mtx with long term use but as long as you are having bloods done regularly if the pain relief is necessary then I take it when needed.

[vonniesims]

My GP and rheumatology nurse said only one a day if really needed

[Drmjl18]

It should be fine as long as you are getting bloods taken regularly (3mths or less).

Ibuprofen is a NSAID, so the same type as Naproxen, Etoricoxib, etc. which lots of folk, including me, take daily alongside their MTX.

[GinnyE]

I was told I could but I don't unless really need it.

[veg_c2000]

My GP threw a complete wobbly when she learned I was taking Ibuprofen and Mtx and said NO, NO, NO. I asked Rheum who told me I could take a 400mg once a day (usually evening as it helps with morning stiffness) or 3 x doses a day of 200mg (which I never take). All medics seem to have a different opinion - please check with yours before deciding what to do. V.

[HappyD34 in reply to veg_c2000]

Gosh, you would think they would sing from the same hymn sheet 😳, thanks tho will do

[Star307]

I am allowed to but it says you should always ask your consultant

[Rupert2001]

I appreciate you have now stopped ibuprofen due to allergy but Naproxen is from a similar group of medicines and both can increase level of methotrexate and might therefore cause increase in methotrexate side effects. I think it isn’t usually a big problem in people taking methotrexate once a week though.

I was taking ibuprofen in high dose and eventually had to stop methotrexate due to raised liver function tests. Your GP/rheumatologist also have to think about other medication you might be taking for any other health problems, as most medicines potentially have side effects. I now have rituximab infusions for my RA and I only use my ibuprofen infrequently, as I have developed hypertension as I got older. Personally, if I was you I would take as small a dose of the naproxen as helps and I am sure your drs will be carefully monitoring your liver and kidney function etc.

[HappyD34 in reply to Rupert2001]

Thanks so much for your reply. I hope that you are keeping well . One of the hardest things to deal with are our minds and thoughts . All the best

[KathleenMary]

I have always been told I can't take ibuprofen

[bt27uk]

My mother nearly had complete kidney failure due to the mix of these drugs. When she heard I was put on methotrexate, the first thing she said was “Do not take Ibuprofen”. Presumably such a life threatening situation will only happen rarely, but I’m going to stick to her advice.

[Pamak]

no as ibuprofen exacerbates the MTX and causes stomach issues

[BrightonDiva]

hi - RA diagnosed 1995 -on MTX for years, and baricitinib - my rheumatologist has always been fine about the occasional use of over the counter ibuprofen, taken with a meal - BUT any regular use should be taken with stomach protection - prescribed by GP. I have never heard that ibuprofen and mtx can be harmful - just that all anti-inflammatories can cause serious stomach problems over time - and caution is needed

[Popinjay]

I am surprised the RA clinic hasn't prescribed one to you