Ibuprofen and Plavix

NSAIDs are used to manage mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation.

• Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted by the release in the body of chemicals called prostaglandins.
• Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins and reduced inflammation, pain, and fever.

Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is an anti-platelet drug used to prevent blood clots.

• to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes,
• particularly in people with a recent history of stroke or heart attack,
• angina, and
• peripheral vascular disease.

Plavix works by irreversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets.

• It belongs to a class of drugs called P2Y12 inhibitors. Other P2Y12 inhibitors include

• ticagrelor (Brilinta) and prasugrel (Effient).
• Clopidogrel is similar to ticlopidine (Ticlid) in chemical structure and function.

What are the uses for ibuprofen vs. Plavix?

Ibuprofen uses

Ibuprofen is used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever caused by various diseases. It is used for treating dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Plavix uses

Plavix is used for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and death in individuals who have had a previous stroke, unstable angina, heart attack, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The combination of Plavix and aspirin is more effective than aspirin or Plavix alone in preventing another heart attack but increases the risk of bleeding.

What are the side effects of ibuprofen vs. Plavix?

Ibuprofen side effects

The most common side effects from ibuprofen are:

NSAIDs reduce blood clotting and increase bleeding after an injury.

Ibuprofen may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and ulcers may bleed. Ulceration can occur without abdominal pain; and due to bleeding, the only signs or symptoms of an ulcer may be black, tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).

Ulceration can occur without abdominal pain, due to bleeding, and the only signs or symptoms of an ulcer are:

• black, tarry stools,
• weakness, and
• dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).

NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys and impair their function. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients who already have impaired kidney function or congestive heart failure, and NSAIDs should be used cautiously in these patients.

People who are allergic to other NSAIDs, including aspirin, should not use ibuprofen. Individuals with asthma are more likely to experience allergic reactions to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

Other serious side effects associated with NSAIDs are:

• fluid retention (edema),
• blood clots,
• heart attacks,
• hypertension (high blood pressure), and
• heart failure.

NSAIDs (except low-dose aspirin) may increase the risk of potentially fatal heart attacks, stroke, and related conditions in people with or without heart disease or risk factors. The increased risk of heart attack or stroke may occur as early as the first week of use and may increase with longer use, especially in patients with underlying risk factors. Therefore, NSAIDs should not be used for pain resulting from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Plavix side effects

People tolerate clopidogrel similarly to aspirin.

The more common side effects of clopidogrel are:

Severe side effects and adverse reactions to Plavix include:

• severe bleeding,
• allergic reactions,
• stroke,
• pancreatitis, and
• liver failure.

Ticlopidine (Ticlid) is a similar medication to clopidogrel that has been associated with a severe reduction in white blood cell count in some individuals. The risk of this dangerous side effect with clopidogrel is much lower, about 0.04% compared to ticlopidine.

Clopidogrel rarely causes a serious condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in a very small percentage of people. TTP is a serious condition in which blood clots form throughout the body and can lead to bleeding because there are not enough platelets to allow blood to clot normally. For comparison, ticlopidine causes TTP at a much higher rate than clopidogrel.

What are the drug interactions of ibuprofen vs. Plavix?

Ibuprofen drug interactions

Ibuprofen is associated with several suspected or probable drug interactions that can affect the action of other drugs.

• Ibuprofen may increase blood levels of lithium, which may lead to lithium toxicity.
• Ibuprofen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of certain drugs.
• When ibuprofen is used with methotrexate or aminoglycosides, blood levels of these drugs may increase, leading to more side effects.
• Ibuprofen increases the negative effect of cyclosporine on kidney function.
• Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, such as warfarin, should avoid ibuprofen because excessive bleeding may occur.
• If aspirin is taken with ibuprofen, there may be an increased risk of developing an ulcer.
• Persons who consume more than three alcoholic beverages per day may be at an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Combining SSRIs with NSAIDs may increase the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Plavix drug interactions

• Clopidogrel combined with NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding.
• Combining clopidogrel with warfarin or other drugs that cause bleeding increases the risk of bleeding.
• Clopidogrel is metabolized by enzymes in the liver and certain drugs can reduce its activity, so caution is advised when combining these drugs.

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Are ibuprofen or Plavix safe to take if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Ibuprofen and pregnancy safety

• There are no adequate studies on ibuprofen in pregnant women. Therefore, ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy. It should be avoided in late pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetal heart.
• Ibuprofen is excreted in breast milk but is considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Plavix and pregnancy safety

• There are no adequate studies of clopidogrel in pregnant women.
• Studies in rats have shown that clopidogrel appears in breast milk; however, it is not known whether it also appears in human breast milk. Because of the potential for side effects in the nursing infant, the physician must weigh the potential benefits and possible risks before prescribing clopidogrel to nursing mothers.

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Summary

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever. Plavix is a blood thinner used for the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease. Ibuprofen also thins the blood. If ibuprofen and Plavix are taken together, it increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers in the digestive tract.

Common side effects of ibuprofen and Plavix include headaches, dizziness, rash, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Side effects of ibuprofen that do not occur with Plavix include ringing in the ears, heartburn, drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. Serious side effects of Plavix that do not occur with ibuprofen include pancreatitis, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, and liver failure. Plavix also interacts with many other drugs, so it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications or other prescriptions.