Uses
Naproxen is
used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, muscle
aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It also reduces
pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, bursitis,
and gout attacks. This medication is known as a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your bodys
production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.
If
you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor
about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat
your pain.
Check
the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The
manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar
names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking
the wrong product could harm you.
Side Effects
Upset
stomach, nausea, heartburn, headache, drowsiness, or dizziness may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If
your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or
she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This
medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure
regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell
your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy
bruising/bleeding, difficult/painful swallowing, hearing changes (such as ringing
in the ears), mental/mood changes, signs of kidney problems (such as
change in the amount of urine), unexplained stiff neck, vision changes, symptoms
of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness,
unusual/sudden weight gain).
This
drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical
help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including:
nausea/vomiting that doesnt stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal
pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get
medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before
taking naproxen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are
allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such
as ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before
using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: asthma, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a
history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or
other NSAIDs), blood disorders (such as anemia),
bleeding/clotting problems, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart
disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver
disease, stroke, swelling (edema, fluid retention), stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems
(such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers).
Kidney problems
can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including naproxen.
Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart
failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain
medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of
fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell
your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine.
This
drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis)
can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything
that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
This
medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco,
especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach
bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
about how much alcohol you may safely drink.
This
medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun.
Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective
clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or
have skin blisters/redness.
Some
naproxen products contain salt (sodium). Tell your doctor if you are on a
salt-restricted diet.
Before
having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products
you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Older
adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach/intestinal
bleeding and kidney problems.
Before
using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their
doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting
pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to
become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last
trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and
interference with normal labor/delivery.
This
drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a
nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.