What is naproxen?
Naproxen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 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.
Naproxen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about naproxen?
This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use naproxen. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking naproxen. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.
Do not drink alcohol while taking naproxen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by naproxen.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naproxen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking naproxen?
Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use an NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to naproxen, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use naproxen:
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
liver or kidney disease;
asthma;
polyps in your nose;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
if you smoke.
FDA pregnancy category C. Before using naproxen, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take naproxen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.
Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.