Naprosyn

Naprosyn

     * Generic Name: naproxen
     * Brand Name: Naprosyn, Anaprox, Anaprox DS


     * What is naproxen?
     * What are the possible side effects of naproxen?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       naproxen?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       naproxen?
     * How should I take naproxen?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking naproxen?
     * What other drugs will affect naproxen?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is naproxen?

   Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
   Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in
   the body.

   Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions
   such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis,
   bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

   The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms
   of naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions such as
   arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms of naproxen
   will not work fast enough to treat acute pain.

   Naproxen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of naproxen?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or
   stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden
   numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech,
   feeling short of breath.

   Stop using naproxen and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea;
     * headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
     * bruising, itching, rash;
     * swelling; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

   Naproxen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   naproxen, especially in older adults.

   Naprosyn Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
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   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking naproxen?

   Naproxen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   naproxen, especially in older adults.

   You should not use naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if you have
   ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking
   aspirin or an NSAID.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine
   if you have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * liver or kidney disease; or
     * fluid retention.

   Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the
   unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are
   pregnant. Naproxen may interfere with ovulation, causing temporary
   infertility.

   Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the
   nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Naproxen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old. Do
   not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take naproxen?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than
   recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your
   condition.

   Do not crush, chew, or break a naproxen tablet. Swallow it whole.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   If you change brands, strengths, or forms of naproxen, your dosage
   needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about
   the kind of naproxen you are using.

   If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has
   any changes in weight. Naproxen doses are based on weight in children,
   and any changes may affect your child's dose.

   If you use naproxen long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

   This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using naproxen.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
   bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Naprosyn Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since naproxen is sometimes used only when needed, you may not be on a
   dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon
   as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your
   next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed
   dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking naproxen?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking naproxen.

   Ask your doctor before taking any other medication for pain, arthritis,
   fever, or swelling. Many medicines available over the counter contain
   aspirin, salicylates, or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as
   ibuprofen or ketoprofen). Taking certain products together can
   cause you to get too much of this type of medication.

   Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your
   doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body
   to absorb naproxen.

What other drugs will affect naproxen?

   Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you take an antidepressant
   such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac),
   fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use naproxen if you
   are also using any of the following drugs:
     * cholestyramine;
     * cyclosporine;
     * digoxin;
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * pemetrexed;
     * phenytoin or similar seizure medications;
     * probenecid;
     * warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or similar blood thinners;
     * a diuretic or "water pill";
     * heart or blood pressure medication; or
     * insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with naproxen,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about naproxen.
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