Brand Name: Aleve
Drug Name: Naproxen
What Is Naproxen?
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
used as a pain reliever/fever reducer. It is available over the
counter for:
• Headache
• Minor pain of arthritis
• Backaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Muscular aches
• Toothaches
• The common cold
• Temporary reducing fever
And by prescription for:
• Relief of symptoms of osteoarthritis (the arthritis caused by
age-related wear and tear on bones and joints), rheumatoid
arthritis in adults, and juvenile arthritis
• Relief of signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
• Reducing swelling and relieving pain caused by gout
• Relieving the signs and symptoms of tendonitis and bursitis |
|
| FDA Alert [12/23/04]: Based
on emerging information, the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events may increase among patients taking
naproxen (Aleve). FDA recommends patients not exceed the recommended
dose. For more information about these risks, refer to the FDA
Alert for Healthcare Providers. |
Who Should Not Take Naproxen?
Do not take Naproxen if you:
• Ever had asthma, rhinitis, or nasal polyps after taking
aspirin
or other NSAID medicines. Aspirin-sensitive patients should
not take Naproxen as reactions have the potential of causing
death.
• Have advanced kidney disease
• Are pregnant, especially your last 3 months.
What Should I Do Before Taking Naproxen?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Naproxen if you:
• Are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are
breast-feeding
• Have or had angina (chest pain), heart attack, or blocked
artery in your heart
• Have kidney problems
• Have liver problems
• Have heart failure
• Have high blood pressure
• Retain fluids (hold extra body water and swell)
• Had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID medicines
• Had a serious stomach problem in the past
• Have or had any other medical problems or allergies
Does Naproxen Interact with other Drugs or
Food?
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you
take,
including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
vitamins,
and herbal supplements. Your healthcare provider may have to
adjust your dose or watch you more closely if you take any of
the
following medications:
• Certain blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Warfarin (coumadin)
• Aspirin
• Other NSAIDs
Are There Other Risks?
Naproxen can cause stomach ulcers that
bleed. The chance of
this serious problem increases the longer you take Naproxen
and
with higher doses of Naproxen. Stomach bleeding can also
happen suddenly while you take Naproxen. Stop taking Naproxen
and call your healthcare provider right away if you get:
• A burning stomach pain
• Black bowel movements that look like tar
• Vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds
Allergic reactions: Naproxen can cause
serious allergic
reactions, including asthma-like symptoms (problems breathing,
swallowing, and wheezing) and rash.
Liver damage: Stop taking Naproxen and
tell your doctor right
away if you have nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of
appetite,
itching, yellow coloring of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms,
and
dark urine.
Kidney problems: Naproxen can cause
serious kidney problems,
including sudden kidney failure or worsening of kidney
problems
that you already have.
Fluid retention: Naproxen can cause
fluid retention (holding of
water in your body) and swelling. Fluid retention can be a
serious
problem if you have high blood pressure or heart failure.
Pregnancy: Do not take Naproxen during
your last 3 months of
pregnancy because it may cause problems in the unborn child or
complications during delivery. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Breast-feeding: Tell your doctor if you
are breast-feeding.
How Do I Take Naproxen?
When taking an over-the-counter Naproxen product, 1 tablet
(220
mg) should be taken every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last.
You may take 2 tablets within the first hour of symptoms for
the
first dose. However, you should not exceed 2 tablets (440 mg)
in
any 8 to 12 hour period or 3 tablets (660 mg) in a 24-hour
period.
If your healthcare provider has prescribed Naproxen to you,
you
should take it according to their directions.
