Naprosyn

What is Naprosyn?

Naprosyn 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.

Naprosyn is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

Naprosyn may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Naprosyn

Naprosyn can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Naprosyn. Do not use Naprosyn 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.

Naprosyn 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 Naprosyn. 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 Naprosyn (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 Naprosyn. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Naprosyn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naprosyn can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result.

Before taking Naprosyn

Taking an NSAID, such us Naprosyn, 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 Naprosyn 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 Naprosyn:

-- 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 Naprosyn, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking Naprosyn during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take Naprosyn during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Naprosyn 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.

How should I take Naprosyn?

Take Naprosyn exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

EC-Naprosyn is a slower-acting form of naproxen and this brand should be used only for treating arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric-coated Naprosyn tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you take Naprosyn for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure Naprosyn is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Naprosyn at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Naprosyn is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Naprosyn?

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 Naprosyn (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 Naprosyn. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Naprosyn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naprosyn can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.