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Naproxen

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Tell your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Naproxen should be taken with or just after food.
Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks which require you to be alert if you feel dizzy.

About naproxen

Type of medicine	Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for	Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis in children Gout Sprains and strains Period pains Migraine
Also called	Naprosyn Naprosyn EC Arthroxen Valrox Synflex
Available as	Tablets Enteric-coated tablets (coating to make sure tablets only release the drug after passing through the stomach thereby protecting it)

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.
A substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, including prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Naproxen blocks the action of COX, so stops production of these prostaglandins. This results in less pain swelling and inflammation.

Before taking naproxen

Before taking naproxen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you have a history of stomach problems including stomach ulcers.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you have a history of allergic disorders.
If you suffer from asthma.
If you suffer from any blood disorders.
If you have a heart condition.
If you suffer from a connective tissue disorder (a disease affecting the connective tissues of the body; a connective tissue is any type of biological tissue that supports and protects organs).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac).

How to take naproxen

Naproxen should be taken with or just after food.
Swallow the enteric-coated form of naproxen whole, not chewed, with a glass of water.
Do not take indigestion remedies one to two hours before or after taking the enteric-coated form of naproxen.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you experience indigestion after taking naproxen try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
Naproxen may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sun cream with sun protection factor 15 or more to protect your skin. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds.
Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so that your progress can be reviewed.

Can naproxen cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick	Drink plenty of fluid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Indigestion, stomach discomfort	Eat little and often. Take your tablets with a glass of milk.
Mouth ulcers	Speak to your pharmacist who may be able to recommend a mouth gel.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating	Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing other tasks which require you to be alert.
Ankle swelling	Keep your legs raised when at rest and see your doctor if symptoms persist.

How to store naproxen

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

DocID:
1181

DocRef:
dils2264

Last Updated:
26 Apr 2007

Date of Next Review:
25 Apr 2009

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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