Not without care — ibuprofen and prednisone both irritate the stomach, so taking them together can raise your risk of ulcers and GI bleeding; check with your doctor or pharmacist first and consider acetaminophen instead.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID, and MedlinePlus warns that NSAIDs such as ibuprofen "may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes" in the esophagus, stomach, or intestine — problems that can occur without warning. MedlinePlus specifically tells patients to tell their doctor about oral steroids such as prednisone before taking ibuprofen. Prednisone is usually taken with food and can cause heartburn and upset stomach (per MedlinePlus), so the concern is that combining a stomach-irritating NSAID with a corticosteroid adds to the strain on the gut lining. The NHS likewise flags anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin among the medicines to check for safety before combining with prednisolone.
If you need a pain reliever while on prednisone, acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) is often a safer choice because it isn't an NSAID and doesn't carry the same stomach-bleeding risk — but confirm with your clinician. If a clinician okays ibuprofen, use the lowest dose for the shortest time, take it with food, and don't exceed label limits (the standard OTC ibuprofen limit is typically no more than 1,200 mg/day without a doctor's direction). Watch for warning signs of GI bleeding: black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe or persistent stomach pain, or unexplained weakness — and seek care urgently if they appear. Per MedlinePlus, the GI risk is higher if you take NSAIDs long-term, are older, are in poor health, smoke, or drink large amounts of alcohol; it is also higher if you take aspirin or blood thinners. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them, especially for anything beyond an occasional dose.
This is general reference, not medical advice, and not a guarantee of safety. Interactions depend on your doses, health conditions, and other medicines. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining products, and follow the dosing on each label.