NAPROXEN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING NAPROXEN.
NAPROXEN - ORAL TABLET ENTERIC COATED (nah-PROX-en)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
EC-Naprosyn
USES:
Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It relieves pain and reduces
swelling. It is used for arthritis and other painful conditions.
HOW TO TAKE NAPROXEN:
NAPROXEN may be taken with or without food. It should not be taken
with an antacid or other medication that decreases stomach acid.
Take NAPROXEN with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie
down for at least 30 minutes after taking NAPROXEN. Swallow tablets
whole. Do not crush or chew.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Inform your doctor if you develop persistent stomach pain, presence
of black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, edema (swelling of
the feet or hands), change in urine color, vision changes or fever
while taking NAPROXEN. May cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred
vision. May rarely cause ringing in the ears and or loss of hearing.
Infrequently, NAPROXEN may increase the skin's sensitivity to
sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear
protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease,
alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, any allergies
(especially drug allergies). Use caution when performing tasks
requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the
drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause
stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined
with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not
take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients
of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many
cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Caution is advised when
NAPROXEN is used in the elderly. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant before using NAPROXEN. Use of NAPROXEN in the last 6 months
of pregnancy is not recommended. NAPROXEN is excreted into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of:
"blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), other arthritis
medication (including aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen),
methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics), lithium, ulcer
medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing
in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow
heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion,
severe headache or loss of consciousness.
NOTES:
In arthritis, it may take up to two weeks before the full effects of
NAPROXEN are noted. For best results this should be taken regularly,
as directed by your doctor. Because these are delayed-released
tablets, NAPROXEN is not intended to be used for conditions that
require immediate pain relief such as acute gout, menstrual pain,
tendonitis or bursitis. A shorter-acting dosage form should be used
for these conditions. Your doctor may monitor kidney, liver and
blood cell tests periodically.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not
store in the bathroom.
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