Two medicines, side by side
Fenoprofen vs ibuprofen
Fenoprofen and ibuprofen are both labeled for pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of fenoprofen since 1976 and of ibuprofen since 1974.
Check it at the source: the fenoprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026); the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026).
Highlights of the fenoprofen record
Fenoprofen (Nalfon) · label of August 20, 2026
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombic Events Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
Used for
From the label: indicationsINDICATIONS AND USAGE FENOPROFEN CALCIUM is indicated for: • Relief of mild to moderate pain in adults • Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis • Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis FENOPROFEN CALCIUM is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: Relief of mild to moderate pain in adults. ( 1 ) Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- March 16, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 6 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- Not in the survey
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the ibuprofen record
Ibuprofen (Advil) · label of January 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications■ temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: ■ headache ■ muscular aches ■ minor pain of arthritis ■ toothache ■ backache ■ the common cold ■ menstrual cramps ■ temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 19, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 245 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0573 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 40
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Fenoprofen label of August 20, 2026, Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do fenoprofen and ibuprofen differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: fenoprofen since 1988; ibuprofen since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Fenoprofen | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | Fenoprofen has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of FENOPROFEN CALCIUM, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Elimination Metabolism The plasma half-life is approximately 3 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | March 16, 1976 | September 19, 1974 |
| First generic approved | April 20, 1988 | February 8, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 6 labelers | 245 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | n/a | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | n/a | -2% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 40 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 49 | 270,516 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Fenoprofen label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of fenoprofen with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].
Ibuprofen label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential for increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to fenoprofen
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions