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Naproxen

 

Naproxen (generic Naprosyn) Review

brand names: EC-Naprosyn, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve, Anaprox DS
generic name: Naproxen

How does it work?

Naprosyn EC tablets contain the active ingredient naproxen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. (NB. Naproxen is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Naproxen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Naproxen blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Naproxen is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis, gout, muscle sprains and strains, back pain, neck pain and tendinitis. It can also be used to relieve period pain.

Naprosyn EC tablets have a special 'enteric coat' that is designed to prevent the tablet breaking down and releasing the naproxen in the stomach, and thus reduce the risk of it irritating the stomach. When the tablet reaches the intestine, the coating dissolves and the naproxen is absorbed into the bloodstream. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed to avoid damaging this coating.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Naprosyn (Naproxen)

If Naprosyn (Naproxen) is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, 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).

Why is Naprosyn (Naproxen) prescribed?

Naprosyn, stiffness, swelling, is used to relieve the inflammation, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis), tendinitis, bursitis.

How should I take this medicine?

Take naproxen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. You can take naproxen with food to prevent stomach upset. If you are taking the delayed-release tablets swallow them whole; do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often or for a longer time than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not give to children less than 12 years unless directed by your health care provider.

Warning!

• If you need to have a test to monitor the functioning of your adrenal glands while taking this medicine, you should let the doctor performing the test know that you are taking naproxen. They may want you to stop taking the naproxen a couple of days before the test, as it could interfere with the results.
  
  
• Very rarely, NSAIDS may cause serious blistering or peeling skin reactions (eg Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis). For this reason, you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you get a skin rash or sores inside your mouth while taking this medicine. This side effect is very rare, but if it occurs, is most likely to happen in the first month of treatment.
  
  
• During long-term treatment with this medicine you should have regular check-ups with your doctor so that you can be monitored for possible side effects of the medicine. This might include routine blood tests to monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components, particularly if you are elderly.
  
  
• If you have cirrhosis of the liver, you are taking diuretic medicines, you are on a low sodium diet, heart failure or kidney disease, or you are recovering from major surgery, your kidney function should be assessed before starting and regularly throughout treatment with this medicine.
  
  
• This medicine may mask the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever and inflammation. This may make you think mistakenly that an infection is getting better when it isn't, or that an infection is less serious than it is. For this reason you should tell your doctor if you get an infection while you are taking this medicine.
  
  
• This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
  
  
• NSAIDs can occasionally cause serious side effects on the gut, such as ulceration, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal lining. This type of side effect is more likely to occur in elderly people and in people taking high doses of the medicine. The risk can also be increased by taking certain other medicines (see below). It is important that these people, as well as people with a history of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines, are closely monitored by a doctor while taking this medicine. If your doctor thinks you are at high risk of side effects on the gut you may be prescribed an additional medicine to help protect your gut. All people taking this medicine should stop treatment and consult their doctor immediately if they experience any sign of bleeding from the stomach or intestine during treatment, for example vomiting blood and/or passing black/tarry/bloodstained stools.
  
  
• Naprosyn (Naproxen) EC tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed or chewed.
  
  

Why should Naprosyn (Naproxen) not be prescribed?

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