Taking Advil (Ibuprofen) With Prednisone

Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us! There is an interaction between Advil (ibuprofen) and prednisone. Their use together should generally be avoided unless specifically directed by your doctor.

The combined use of Advil and prednisone can increase the risk of adverse GI effects and alter electrolyte/fluid balance. Additionally, Advil can mask symptoms of infection, which you could be at an increased risk for while taking prednisone.

Having said this, short-term use of both is fairly common and can represent the best therapy option for some individuals in certain situations.

However, prolonged use should be avoided as this increases the risk of adverse reactions (as mentioned above).

If you are taking prednisone, be sure to ask your doctor if Advil is appropriate for you in your medical situation.

Interaction Info - More Detail

Prednisone is a corticosteroid while Advil (ibuprofen) is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Multiple studies have shown that concomitant use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) and NSAIDs can have a variety of adverse effects, including:

• Increased risk of adverse GI events (e.g. nausea, cramping, ulceration).
• Altered sodium/potassium electrolytes and fluid balance.

If prednisone and Advil are used together for an extended period of time, it is sometimes recommended to periodically monitor potassium levels in the body as hypokalemia (low potassium) has commonly been reported.

It is important to note that prednisone can weaken the immune system, especially with high doses or long-term use. NSAIDs, like Advil, can mask fever, pain, swelling, and other signs and symptoms of an infection. The issue is that a potential infection may not be appropriately treated.

Lastly, the 'Beers Criteria' recommends that the combination of NSAIDs and corticosteroids be avoided. If the combination is necessary and cannot be avoided, it is recommended to also use some sort of gastrointestinal protection.

As stated previously, short-term use of both medications has been used safely, but they should only be used together if recommended by your doctor. If you need a pain reliever while taking prednisone, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be a better option for you.

Final Words

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