DrugPair interaction guide

Warfarin and Ibuprofen

Warfarin is a blood thinner. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is an NSAID pain reliever. Taking them together raises your bleeding risk significantly.

Written by DrugPair Editorial Team. Updated 16 July 2026.

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Major interaction

Do not combine without direct medical supervision.

What you need to know

Ibuprofen can add platelet and gastrointestinal effects to warfarin's anticoagulant effect, increasing the chance of bleeding. The risk depends on the person, dose, duration, and other medicines, so a pain-relief alternative should be chosen with a pharmacist or prescriber rather than assumed to be safe.

What to do

Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs while taking warfarin unless your doctor has specifically approved it.

Ask a pharmacist or prescriber which pain medicine, dose, and duration are appropriate for you; do not substitute another product based only on this page.

Tell every healthcare provider and pharmacist you are on warfarin before taking any new medicine.

When to call your doctor

Unusual bruising, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts.

Any stomach pain or black, tarry stools.

If you took ibuprofen while on warfarin and are unsure what to do, contact a pharmacist, prescriber, or poison-control service for advice based on the amount and your symptoms.

Severe symptoms? Call 911 (US) or Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Sources

Warfarin: Drug InformationNIH MedlinePlus. Accessed 2026-07-16.Ibuprofen: Drug InformationNIH MedlinePlus. Accessed 2026-07-16.

Source databases can disagree or omit an interaction. Report an error.

DrugPair provides educational safety information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask a doctor or pharmacist before changing medicines, supplements, food, drinks, or prescription timing.

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