Two medicines, side by side
Sulindac vs ibuprofen
Sulindac and ibuprofen are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of sulindac since 1978 and of ibuprofen since 1974. Pharmacies paid $0.189 per sulindac 150 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 sulindac FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 20, 2024); the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026).
Highlights of the sulindac record
Sulindac (Clinoril) · label of December 20, 2024
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 ).
Sulindac tablets are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ).
Used for
From the label: indicationsCarefully consider the potential benefits and risks of sulindac and other treatment options before deciding to use sulindac. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS ). Sulindac is indicated for acute or long-term use in the relief of signs and symptoms of the following: 1. Osteoarthritis 2. Rheumatoid arthritis** 3. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 27, 1978
- Generic labelers
- 7 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.189 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 1
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 (Sulindac label of December 20, 2024, Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do sulindac 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: sulindac since 1988; ibuprofen since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Sulindac | 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) | , like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | September 27, 1978 | September 19, 1974 |
| First generic approved | March 3, 1988 | February 8, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 7 labelers | 245 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.189 per tablet (Sulindac 150 mg tablet) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +4% | -2% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 1 | 40 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 2,402 | 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?
Sulindac label, drug interactionsNSAIDs The concomitant use of sulindac with other NSAIDs is not recommended due to the increased possibility of gastrointestinal toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy.
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 sulindac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions