Drug Interaction Report

Naproxen and Desirudin: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Naproxen and Desirudin interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Naproxen

Aleve Aleve® Anaprox Anaprox® Anaprox® DS EC-Naprosyn® Flanax® Naprelan
+

Desirudin

Iprivask
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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.

Of 309 documented Naproxen interactions, 228 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

An increased risk of bleeding

Interaction Deep Dive

Coadministration of an anticoagulant and an NSAID may increase the risk of serious bleeding relative to the use of either drug alone2341 and may increase the risk of epidural or spinal hematomas that can result in long-term or permanent paralysis in patients who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture 5. If used concomitantly, monitor for signs of bleeding 231.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive effect on hemostasis

Common questions

Can I take Naproxen and Desirudin together?

An increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Naproxen and Desirudin interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Naproxen or Desirudin 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 (5)

  1. Product Information: COMBOGESIC(R) oral tablets, acetaminophen ibuprofen oral tablets. AFT Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Highland, MD, 2023. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: CALDOLOR(R) intravenous injection, ibuprofen intravenous injection. Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (per FDA), Nashville, TN, 2016. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: CELEBREX(R) oral capsules, celecoxib oral capsules. GD Searle LLC (per FDA), New York, NY, 2016. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: COUMADIN(R) oral tablets, intravenous injection powder for solution, warfarin sodium oral tablets, intravenous injection powder for solution. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (per manufacturer), Princeton, NJ, 2015. DailyMed
  5. Product Information: PRADAXA(R) oral capsules, dabigatran etexilate oral capsules. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Ridgefield, CT, 2023. DailyMed
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Naproxen

Keep reading about Naproxen

All Naproxen interactions (309) Naproxen drug information
Also serious with: Ketorolac Ketorolac Nasal Spray Ketorolac Injection Ketorolac Ophthalmic
Desirudin

Keep reading about Desirudin

All Desirudin interactions (50)
Also serious with: Defibrotide Injection Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic Orlistat Clopidogrel
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Naproxen + Activated Charcoal Asarabacca Beer Danshen Piracetam Siberian Cocklebur Wine Aconite + 303 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.