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Naproxen
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Important Warning:
On April 7, 2005, the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they are
asking manufacturers of all prescription nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to revise the drug
labeling (package insert) to include a ''boxed'' or
serious warning about the potential for increased risk
of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and
stroke) and serious and potentially life-threatening
gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with their
use. This information will also state that patients who
have just had heart surgery should not take these
medications. The FDA is also asking manufacturers of
nonprescription (OTC) NSAIDs to include information on
the product label about the potential for cardiovascular
events and GI bleeding, as well as skin reactions in
patients taking these drugs. You should talk to your
doctor if you are taking one of these drugs and have any
questions or concerns about this new information.
Medication Information
Naproxen is used to
relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling),
and stiffness caused by gout, arthritis, and other
inflammatory conditions. It also is used to relieve
other pain, including muscle and menstrual pain and pain
after surgery, dental work, or childbirth.
Naproxen is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Naproxen be used?
Naproxen comes as a
regular tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a liquid
to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day for
arthritis, every 8 hours for gout, and once a day
(extended-release tablets) or every 6-8 hours (regular
tablets) as needed for pain. Follow the directions on
the package or prescription label carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Naproxen exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
Liquid Naproxen should be shaken well before each use
to mix the medication evenly.
If you obtained Naproxen without a prescription, do
not take it for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days
for pain without talking to a doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Naproxen,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to Naproxen, aspirin or other medications for
pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol
(Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune),
diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne,
Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications
for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol
(Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin),
probenecid (Benemid), warfarin (Coumadin), and
vitamins. Do not take aspirin or acetaminophen when
using Naproxen unless directed to do so by your
doctor.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large
amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had
liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure;
any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal
disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking Naproxen, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking Naproxen.
- you should know that Naproxen may make you drowsy.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know
how Naproxen affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness
caused by Naproxen. Do not drink alcohol while taking
Naproxen.
What special dietary instructions should I
follow?
Naproxen may cause an upset stomach. Take
Naproxen with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the
missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Naproxen cause?
Although
side effects from Naproxen are not common, they can
occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- upset stomach
- stomach pain or cramps
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- skin rash
- itching
What storage conditions are needed for Naproxen?
Keep Naproxen in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of
overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all
appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your
response to Naproxen.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription. |
