Naproxen

Brand Name: Anaprox, Naprosyn

Naproxen is used for:
Treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis. It is 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 is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Do NOT use Naproxen if:
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 a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
you have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery
you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy

How to use Naproxen :
Use Naproxen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Naproxen comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Naproxen refilled.
Take Naproxen by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not lower the risk of stomach of bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach upset.
Take Naproxen with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.
If you take antacids, cholestyramine, or sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Naproxen .
If you miss a dose of Naproxen and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Possible side effects of Naproxen :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset; stuffy nose.Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.