Two medicines, side by side
Oxaprozin vs ibuprofen
Oxaprozin and ibuprofen are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of oxaprozin since 1992 and of ibuprofen since 1974. Pharmacies paid $0.475 per oxaprozin 600 mg tablet and $0.0573 per ibuprofen 800 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the oxaprozin FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 26, 2024); the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026).
Highlights of the oxaprozin record
Oxaprozin (Daypro) · label of December 26, 2024
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal 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: indicationsOxaprozin tablets are indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis For relief of the signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Oxaprozin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: Relief of signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA). (1) Relief of signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 29, 1992
- Generic labelers
- 7 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.475 per tablet
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 (Oxaprozin label of December 26, 2024, Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do oxaprozin 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: oxaprozin since 2001; ibuprofen since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Oxaprozin | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | Oxaprozin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of oxaprozin, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Upon chronic dosing, the accumulation half-life is approximately 22 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | October 29, 1992 | September 19, 1974 |
| First generic approved | January 31, 2001 | February 8, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 7 labelers | 245 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.475 per tablet (Oxaprozin 600 mg tablet) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -12% | -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) | 883 | 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?
Oxaprozin label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of oxaprozin 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 oxaprozin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions