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Can you take Advil® / Motrin® with Deltasone® / Rayos®?

Evidence-based interaction check between Advil® / Motrin® and Deltasone® / Rayos®

MajorEditorially reviewed · last updated April 15, 2025

High risk — avoid this combination unless there is no good alternative.

Stomach ulcers, GI bleeding (black or bloody stools, coffee-ground vomit), and abdominal pain. Risk is roughly 4x higher than either drug alone.

Why this happens (mechanism)

Prednisone weakens the protective stomach mucosal lining and slows healing of small erosions; NSAIDs like ibuprofen directly irritate that same lining and block prostaglandins that maintain it. Together they multiply the rate of GI bleeding and ulcers.

What to monitor

  • New stomach pain, heartburn, or appetite loss
  • Black or tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit, blood in vomit
  • Hemoglobin if combined use lasts more than a few days

Dose adjustment

No prednisone change; minimize NSAID use to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. If both are required for more than a few days, add a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole) for GI protection.

Safer alternatives to consider

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

First-line pain reliever during steroid courses; no GI ulcer risk.

Add omeprazole (Prilosec) for GI protection

Reduces ulcer risk meaningfully when NSAID + steroid is unavoidable.

Always discuss alternatives with your prescriber before making any change. The right choice depends on your other medications, conditions, and what is working for you today.

Evidence and sources

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Check another pair

2 interactions found

Major

Dramatically increases GI bleeding risk, combining corticosteroids with NSAIDs significantly increases the risk of GI ulcer and hemorrhage; add a PPI if both are necessary

Moderate

Additive GI mucosal damage; combined use dramatically increases peptic ulcer risk.

View Advil® / Motrin® View Deltasone® / Rayos®

What this means

This summary is based on published interaction data from FDA prescribing information and clinical literature. It does not account for individual health factors, dosages, or other medications you may be taking. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take Advil® / Motrin® with Deltasone® / Rayos®?

High risk — avoid this combination unless there is no good alternative. Stomach ulcers, GI bleeding (black or bloody stools, coffee-ground vomit), and abdominal pain. Risk is roughly 4x higher than either drug alone. Always discuss your full medication list with your prescriber.

What happens if you take Advil® / Motrin® and Deltasone® / Rayos® together?

Prednisone weakens the protective stomach mucosal lining and slows healing of small erosions; NSAIDs like ibuprofen directly irritate that same lining and block prostaglandins that maintain it. Together they multiply the rate of GI bleeding and ulcers.

What should I monitor if I take both?

New stomach pain, heartburn, or appetite loss. Black or tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit, blood in vomit. Hemoglobin if combined use lasts more than a few days.