If you’re on anti-clotting meds

Anticoagulants (such as Warfarin) and antiplatelets (such as Plavix) prevent blood from clotting easily. Anticoagulants are typically prescribed for people at high risk for stroke (such as those with atrial fibrillation or artificial heart valves), or those who’ve suffered from a pulmonary embolism; antiplatelets are usually advised for those who’ve already suffered a heart attack or stroke, as a way to prevent it from happening again. The problem? “The combination of these drugs with ibuprofen could significantly increase the risk for bleeding complications,” says David Craig, PharmD, pharmacist lead at the Moffitt Cancer Center and American Pain Society E-News editor. So instead, discuss other options with your doctor; for instance, you may consider celecoxib, which may be less likely to induce bleeding.