Naproxen, the generic name of this medication ( Brand Name: Examples include Anaprox and Naprosyn ), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), that could potentially may have some serious,sometimes life threatening side effects, that could become worse if concomitantly taken with medications for other illnesses.

It is prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis. It is also used to treat tendonitis, bursitis, gout, menstrual cramps, or mild to moderate pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Naproxen could cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, a heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Naproxen for a long time. Do not use Naproxen right before or after bypass heart surgery. Also always consult your doctor and never suddenly stop this or any other medicine without first consulting the physician who prescribed them for you.

Among this serious complications, Naproxen may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.

The way it works is not exactly known, but studies suggest that it blocks certain well known substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs ( nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ), are medications prescribed to treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Do NOT use Naproxen and contact your doctor or emergency medical services right away, if any of the following statements applies to you.

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Naproxen
  • you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or another NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
  • you have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery
  • if you have severe kidney problems
  • you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy
  • you are taking another medicine that contains naproxen

Before using Naproxen :

As a general clinical fact, always keep in mind that some medications may interact with others prescribed for other illnesses , and may interact with Naproxen as well. Tell your doctor or pharmacist all the medicines that you have been taking for any medical conditions ( is a good idea bringing the bottles to the consult). Use the following list as a guideline and add anything other medical history your may have, even if do not consider it important.

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease)
  • if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
  • if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk of any of these diseases
  • if you have poor health; dehydration or low fluid volume; low blood sodium levels; you are on a low-salt (sodium) diet; or you drink alcohol, smoke, or have a history of alcohol abuse

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Naproxen . Tell your physicians if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

  • Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), antiplatelet medicines (eg, clopidogrel), aspirin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), heparin, other NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen), rivaroxaban, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased
  • Probenecid because it may increase the risk of Naproxen’s side effects
  • Bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate), cyclosporine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, methotrexate, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Naproxen .

Use this information only for a general educational purpose. Always consult and follow your personal physicians treatment and instructions.