HEALTH TOPICS 
Ask the doctor: How do Aleve, ibuprofen, and aspirin work?
(Reviewed/revised April 2005)
Ask the doctor
Does Aleve help the heart like aspirin? Does ibuprofen interfere with aspirin?
Q I am a 60-year-old man with several risk factors for heart disease. I take Aleve twice a day. Do I still need to take aspirin, or is the Aleve enough?
Q I often take ibuprofen for my headaches or aching back. Now my doctor wants me to start taking aspirin, and she suggested that I ease up on the ibuprofen. Why?
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise