Pork and Ibuprofen: Is It Safe?

You can generally eat pork while taking ibuprofen, and there’s no known direct interaction between pork and ibuprofen. Eating ibuprofen with food can slow how fast the medicine is absorbed but does not reduce the total amount your body absorbs, which is often helpful for reducing stomach upset. ^{[1] [2]} Ibuprofen’s overall absorption is minimally affected by the presence of food, whether taken with a meal or on an empty stomach. ^{[1] [3]}

How Food Affects Ibuprofen

• When ibuprofen is taken right after a meal, the rate of absorption is reduced, but the extent of absorption stays about the same. ^{[1] [4]}
• This means typical meals, including pork, do not interfere with ibuprofen working as intended. ^{[1] [5]}
• Many people prefer taking ibuprofen with food to lessen stomach irritation. ^{[1] [2]}

Stomach Safety Tips

Ibuprofen (a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug, NSAID) can irritate the stomach lining and, in some cases, increase bleeding risk, especially with certain factors. ^{[6] [7]}

• Risk is higher if you have a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, are older, use higher doses or for longer durations, smoke, or drink alcohol. ^{[6] [8]}
• Having three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using ibuprofen raises the chance of severe stomach bleeding. ^{[9] [10]}
• To reduce risk, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and consider taking with food if you experience stomach upset. ^{[8] [6]}

Alcohol and Pork Meals

There’s no issue with pork itself, but be cautious with alcohol commonly paired with rich meals:

• Alcohol plus ibuprofen significantly increases stomach bleeding risk. ^{[9] [10]}
• If you plan to drink, it’s safer to limit or avoid alcohol when using ibuprofen. ^{[9] [10]}

Other Notable Ibuprofen Interactions (Unrelated to Pork)

While pork isn’t a concern, ibuprofen can interact with certain medicines:

• Aspirin: Ibuprofen may interfere with aspirin’s antiplatelet (blood‑thinning) effect when taken together. ^[11]
• Lithium and methotrexate: Ibuprofen can increase their toxicity; monitor closely if prescribed together. ^{[12] [13]}
• ACE inhibitors and some diuretics: Ibuprofen may reduce their effectiveness. ^{[11] [14]}

Practical Advice

• Eating pork while on ibuprofen is generally fine; choose moderate portions and avoid excessive alcohol with the meal. ^{[1] [9]}
• If you have a history of ulcers, GI bleeding, or take blood thinners, steroids, SSRIs/SNRIs, or low‑dose aspirin, discuss ibuprofen use with your clinician. ^{[8] [6]}
• Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time to limit side effects. ^{[8] [6]}

Bottom Line

Pork does not have a known interaction with ibuprofen, and taking ibuprofen with a meal pork included only slows the rate of absorption without reducing how much is absorbed. ^{[1] [2]} Focus on stomach safety, especially by limiting alcohol, and be mindful of ibuprofen’s interactions with certain medications. ^{[9] [11]}