Naprosyn

Generic name: Naproxen

What is Naprosyn?

Naprosyn is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation from medical conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, acute gout, and menstrual cramps.

What is the most important information I should know about Naprosyn?

NSAIDs may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases with longer use of NSAIDs and in people who have heart disease.

NSAIDs should never be used right before or after a heart surgery called a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment.

NSAIDs should only be used exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible for your treatment, for the shortest time needed.

Who should not take Naprosyn?

If you had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reactions with aspirin or with any other NSAID, you should not take this medication. NSAIDs should not be used for pain right before or after heart bypass surgery.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Naprosyn?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Naprosyn. Talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have asthma or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also notify your doctor if you smoke, use alcohol, have liver or kidney dysfunction, heart failure, or if you have had a serious reaction to either aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Adults: The usual dose of Naprosyn is 250mg, 375mg, or 500mg twice daily

Acute Gout

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 750mg of Naprosyn followed by 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has subsided.

Management of Pain, Menstrual Cramps, and Acute Tendonitis and Bursitis

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 500mg every 12 hours or 250mg every 6-8 hours as required.

Juvenile Arthritis

Children: The recommended total daily dose is approximately 10 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight given in 2 divided doses. The use of Naprosyn suspension is recommended for juvenile arthritis in children 2 years or older because it allows for more flexible dosing changes based on the child's weight.

How should I take Naprosyn?

To avoid upset stomach, you may take Naprosyn with food and with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew Naprosyn tablets.

If you take Naprosyn for arthritis, take it regularly and exactly as your doctor recommends.

What should I avoid while taking Naprosyn?

Avoid taking antacids, aspirin, or other NSAIDs while taking Naprosyn.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Naprosyn?

If Naprosyn is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Naprosyn with the following: ACE-inhibitors, antacids and sucralfate, aspirin, beta-blockers (propranolol), cholestyramine, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, NSAIDs, sulphonylureas, antidepressant medications known as SSRIs, and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Naprosyn?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Serious side effects may include: heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure from body swelling (fluid retention), kidney problems including kidney failure, bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestine, low red blood cells (anemia), life-threatening skin reactions, life-threatening allergic reactions, liver problems including liver failure, asthma attacks in people with asthma

Other side effects may include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness

Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness in one part or side of your body, slurred speech, swelling of the face or throat, nausea, fatigue or weakness, itching, yellowing of your skin or eyes, stomach pain, blood in your vomit, blood in your bowel movement (or it is black and sticky like tar), unusual weight gain, skin rash or blistering with fever, swelling of the arms, legs, hands, and feet

Can I receive Naprosyn if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding. Naprosyn, like all NSAIDs, should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in late pregnancy. Naprosyn should be not be used if breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Naprosyn?

If you take Naprosyn on a regular schedule for relief of arthritis pain, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at once.

How should I store Naprosyn?

Store Naprosyn at room temperature in a well-closed, light-resistant container.