Short answer: Do not take meloxicam and ibuprofen together unless a healthcare professional specifically instructs you to. They are both NSAIDs and combining them increases the risk of stomach ulcers/bleeding, kidney problems, and other side effects without providing additional pain relief in most cases. What this means for you
- If you’re managing pain, there are safer options:
- Use a single NSAID (meloxicam or ibuprofen) at the recommended dose, if your clinician has approved it, rather than both at the same time.
- Consider acetaminophen (paracetamol) as an alternative or add-on for pain relief, if appropriate for your situation.
- Non-pharmacologic approaches (heating pads, ice, rest, physical therapy) can complement medications.
- Important safety notes:
- Do not exceed recommended doses or combine NSAIDs unless advised by a clinician.
- NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and affect kidney function, especially with age, preexisting kidney or liver disease, ulcers, or some cardiovascular conditions.
- If you have any of the following, avoid NSAIDs or consult a clinician first: history of ulcers or GI bleeding, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, bleeding disorders, taking blood thinners, or pregnancy.
What to do next
- If you were planning to take both today, stop and contact a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
- If you must manage pain now, you could consider taking acetaminophen if there are no contraindications for you (and you’re within the safe daily limit), but verify this with a clinician or pharmacist.
- If you have ongoing pain or a chronic condition, schedule a brief consult to choose a safe, effective regimen.
If you’d like, share your current symptoms, other medications, kidney/liver function concerns, and any medical conditions, and a tailored, safe plan can be outlined.
