Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is used to treat diseases of joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.

It is also used for period pain and muscle and bone disorders, such as back pain and sprains and strains.

Naproxen is not suitable for certain people. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

- Have had an allergic reaction to naproxen or any other medicines in the past

- Have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

- Have or have had stomach ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach

- Have high blood pressure

- Have severe liver or kidney failure

- Have severe heart failure or other heart problems

- Have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

- Have lupus & asthma

- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Direction for use:

Rheumatoid Arthritis: 2-4 capsule daily

Pain: 400 mg PO initially, then 200 mg PO q6-8hr

Gout, Acute: 400 mg PO initially, then 200 mg PO q8hr

Migraine (Off-label): 750 mg PO initially, may give additional 250-500 mg if necessary; not to exceed 1250 mg in 24 hr.

* Doses are usually lower for elderly people and people with heart, liver or kidney problems.

* Caution in children younger than 12 years

Warning:

- Naproxen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

- Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

- Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

- Ask your doctor before taking any other medication for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin, salicylates, or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication.

- Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb naproxen.

- Always take your naproxen tablets with or just after a meal so you do not get an upset stomach.

- Since naproxen is sometimes used only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Pregnancy:

Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. It may interfere with ovulation, causing temporary infertility.

Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Side effects:

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Confusion, Headaches, Ringing in the ears, Changes in vision, Tiredness and feeling sleepy, Dizziness, Rashes

Interactions:

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also using any of the following drugs:

Cholestyramine, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin or similar seizure medications, probenecid, warfarin or similar blood thinners, heart or blood pressure medication; or insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

Storage:

Keep in a dry place & Store below 25°C.

Keep out of reach of the children.