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Naproxen (Naprosyn®, EC Naprosyn®, Naprelan®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, Aleve®) is an anti-inflammatory drug. It relieves pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile (childhood) arthritis. Naproxen is also effective in treating other mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain, headache, toothache, and temporarily reduces fever. Naproxen should only be used in children who are over 12 years old. Generic naproxen tablets and delayed-release tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Naproxen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
cigarette smoker
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
diabetes
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots
kidney disease
liver disease
stomach or duodenal ulcers
history of stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus
ulcerative colitis
an unusual or allergic reaction to naproxen, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Naproxen?
Take naproxen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. You can take naproxen with food to prevent stomach upset. If you are taking the delayed-release tablets swallow them whole; do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often or for a longer time than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Naproxen in children. Special care may be needed. Do not give to children less than 12 years unless directed by your health care provider.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other drug(s) may interact with naproxen?
alcohol
alendronate
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
cidofovir
cyclosporine
entecavir
herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines that affect platelets
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'
methotrexate
other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
pemetrexed
water pills (diuretics)
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking naproxen?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
blurred vision
change in the amount of urine passed
difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
pain or difficulty passing urine
stomach pain or cramps
swelling of feet or ankles
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea or constipation
dizziness
drowsiness
gas or heartburn
headache
nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while I taking naproxen?
Let your doctor know if your pain continues. Do not take naproxen with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your doctor; do not treat yourself. Do not treat yourself for pain more than 10 days or for fever more than 3 days without consulting your health care provider.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take naproxen with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking Naproxen.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how naproxen affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from naproxen.
It is especially important not to use naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Naproxen may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking naproxen. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
Where can I keep Naproxen?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59.86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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