Naprosyn (Naproxen) Patient Information

Generic name: Naproxen
Other brand name: EC-Naprosyn

Pronounced: NA-proh-sinn

• Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Naprosyn Full Prescription Information

What is the most important information I should know about medicines called Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?

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

NSAID medicines should never be used right before or after a heart surgery called a ìcoronary artery bypass graft (CABG)."

NSAID medicines can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding: · can happen without warning symptoms · may cause death

The chance of a person getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with: · taking medicines called ìcorticosteroidsî and ìanticoagulantsî · longer use · smoking · drinking alcohol · older age · having poor health

NSAID medicines should only be used: · exactly as prescribed · at the lowest dose possible for your treatment · for the shortest time needed

What are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)? NSAID medicines are use to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as: · different types of arthritis · menstrual cramps and other types of short-term pain

Who should not take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)? Do not take an NSAID medicine: · if you had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID medicine · for pain right before or after heart bypass surgery Tell your healthcare provider: · about all of your medical conditions. · about all of the medicines you take. NSAIDs and some other medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Keep a list of your medicines to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. · if you are pregnant. NSAID medicines should not be used by pregnant women late in their pregnancy. · if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)?

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Seriousside effects 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 who have asthma

Otherside effects include:

• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn  
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness

Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• shortnes s of breath or trouble breathing body
• chest pain
• slurred speech
• weakness in one part or side of your
• swelling of the face or throat

Stop your NSAID medicine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• nausea
• vomit blood
• more tired or weaker than usual
• there is blood in your bowel
• itching movement or it is black and
• your skin or eyes look yellow sticky like tar
• stomach pain
• skin rash or blisters with fever
• flu-like symptoms
• unusual weight gain
• swelling of the arms and legs, hands and feet

These are not all the side effects with NSAID medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about NSAID medicines.

Other information about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Aspirin is an NSAID medicine but it does not increase the chance of a heart attack. Aspirin can cause bleeding in the brain, stomach, and intestines. Aspirin can also cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
• Some of these NSAID medicines are sold in lower doses without a prescription (over ñthe ñcounter). Talk to your healthcare provider before using over ñthe ñcounter NSAIDs for more than 10 days.

Why is Naprosyn prescribed?

Naprosyn, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis), tendinitis, bursitis, and acute gout; it is also used to relieve menstrual cramps and other types of mild to moderate pain.

Most important fact about Naprosyn

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Naprosyn regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

How should you take Naprosyn?

Naprosyn may be taken with food or an antacid, and with a full glass of water to avoid stomach upset. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

If you are using Naprosyn for arthritis, it should be taken regularly; take it exactly as prescribed.

Do not break, crush, or chew an EC-Naprosyn tablet.

--If you miss a dose...

And you take the drug on a regular schedule, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a well-closed container. Protect from light and extreme heat.

What side effects may occur using Naprosyn?

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

• More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, bruising, constipation, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, itching, nausea, ringing in ears, skin eruptions, swelling due to fluid retention

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Naprosyn, EC-Naprosyn, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, or Aleve, you should not take this drug. Also, if aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have ever given you asthma or nasal inflammation or tumors, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Naprosyn

Remember that peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

Use this drug with caution if you have kidney or liver disease; it can cause liver or kidney problems in some people.

Naprosyn may prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, your doctor will prescribe Naprosyn with caution.

By reducing fever and inflammation, Naprosyn may hide an underlying condition.

This medication may cause vision problems. If you experience any changes in your vision, inform your doctor.

This drug can increase water retention. It will be prescribed with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Naprosyn suspension contains a significant amount of sodium. If you are on a low-sodium diet, discuss this with your doctor.

Naprosyn may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are sure of the drug's effect on you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking 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 such as the blood-pressure drug Zestril Aspirin Beta blockers such as the blood-pressure drug Tenormin Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin Furosemide (Lasix) Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) Methotrexate Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox) Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase Phenytoin (Dilantin) Probenecid (Benemid) Sulfa drugs such as the antibiotics Bactrim and Septra

EC-Naprosyn should not be used with antacids, H 2 blockers such as Tagamet, or sucralfate (Carafate).

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Naprosyn during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Naprosyn appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

Naprosyn is available in tablet and liquid form. When taking the liquid, use a teaspoon or the measuring cup, marked in one-half teaspoon and 2.5 milliliter increments, that comes with Naprosyn suspension.

ADULTS

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis

The usual dose of Naprosyn is 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons of suspension), 375 milligrams (15 milliliters or 3 teaspoons), or 500 milligrams (20 milliliters or 4 teaspoons) 2 times a day (morning and evening). EC-Naprosyn is taken in doses of 375 or 500 milligrams twice a day. Your dose may be adjusted by your doctor over your period of treatment. Improvement of symptoms should be seen in 2 to 4 weeks.

Acute Gout

Starting dose of Naprosyn is 750 milligrams (30 milliliters or 6 teaspoons), followed by 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons) every 8 hours until the symptoms are relieved. EC-Naprosyn should not be used to treat gout.

Mild to Moderate Pain, Menstrual Cramps, Acute Tendinitis, and Bursitis

Starting dose is 500 milligrams (20 milliliters or 4 teaspoons of suspension), followed by 250 milligrams (10 milliliters or 2 teaspoons) every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The most you should take in a day is 1,250 milligrams (50 milliliters or 10 teaspoons). Do not take EC-Naprosyn for these problems.

CHILDREN

Juvenile Arthritis

The usual daily dose is 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 doses. Follow your doctor's directions carefully when giving a child this medicine.

The safety and effectiveness of Naprosyn have not been established in children under 2 years of age.

OLDER ADULTS

Your doctor will probably have you take a reduced dose.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Naprosyn overdose may include: Drowsiness, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting

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Full Naprosyn prescribing information

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