Ibuprofen and Lumacaftor: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Lumacaftor
No brand names on recordIbuprofen
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced ibuprofen exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of ibuprofen and lumacaftor/ivacaftor may decrease ibuprofen plasma concentrations due to induction of CYP3A4-mediated ibuprofen metabolism by lumacaftor. In a study of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis receiving high-dose ibuprofen, the average absolute reduction in peak ibuprofen plasma concentration was 36.4 mcg/mL (relative reduction, 41.7%) following initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Consider monitoring ibuprofen pharmacokinetics prior to and following lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation1; a higher dose of ibuprofen may be required to obtain the desired clinical effect 2.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated ibuprofen metabolism
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) In a study of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis receiving high-dose ibuprofen (N=9; mean age, 11.7 years), peak ibuprofen plasma concentrations decreased from 84.2 mcg/mL (prior to lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation) to 47.9 mcg/mL following initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor; the average absolute reduction in peak ibuprofen concentration was 36.4 mcg/mL (relative reduction, 41.7%). The average dose per weight of ibuprofen was 23.2 mg/kg prior to initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor and 23 mg/kg following initiation; absolute doses ranged from 500 mg to 1400 mg twice daily, with a mean dose of 744 mg prior to initiation and 967 mg following initiation. Peak concentrations were reported at an average of 100 minutes and 107 minutes prior to and following lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. Consider monitoring ibuprofen pharmacokinetics prior to and following lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation and adjusting the dosage if needed 1.
Common questions
Can I take Ibuprofen and Lumacaftor together?
Reduced ibuprofen exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Ibuprofen and Lumacaftor interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Ibuprofen or Lumacaftor need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Bruch BA, Singh SB, Ramsey LJ, et al: Impact of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator on high-dose ibuprofen therapy in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. Pediatr Pulmonol 2018; 53(8):1035-1039. PubMed
- Product Information: ORKAMBI(R) oral tablets, lumacaftor ivacaftor oral tablets. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (per manufacturer), Boston, MA, 2018. DailyMed
Keep reading about Lumacaftor
Keep reading about Ibuprofen
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Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
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