Naproxen

Description

Naproxen is a prescription only medicine that belongs to the same group of pain relief drugs as ibuprofen – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This type of pain relief drug is better at reducing pain than over the counter medications and has proven to be effective in managing pain and inflammation.

This makes Naproxen an effective pain relief for a variety of pain symptoms. Most commonly, Naproxen is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. However, Naproxen tablets are also suitable for relieving period pains, muscle disorders, and back pain. You can buy Naproxen sodium online from Pharmacy Online following a short consultation with a member of our pharmacy team.

There is a general risk of side effects with all medications, including Naproxen. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects.

Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking naproxen.

Some common side effects reported with naproxen use include:

• Skin reactions
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Photosensitivity

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek medical assistance immediately

• Severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting or diarrhoea as this can be a sign of a stomach ulcer
• Vomit blood or have dark particles in your poo that look like coffee grounds, blood in your poo, or poo that looks like tar, these are all symptoms of stomach bleeding
• Frequent sore throat or nose bleeds as these are a sign of a problem with your blood cells
• Feeling faint or tired, this is a sign of anemia
• Blood in your urine, this is a sign of a kidney infection
• Irregular slow heartbeat, this is a sign of too much potassium in the blood
• High temperature, this is a sign of inflammation of the pancreas

It is possible to experience serious adverse effects and severe allergic reaction when taking naproxen. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E immediately:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath – this is a sign of a heart attack
• Severe skin reaction and skin rash
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing or talking
• Swelling of face, lips tongue etc

For a full list of all the side effects of naproxen sodium, see the patient information leaflet.

• Is it okay to take Naproxen every day?

  Naproxen is mostly recommended for people who have short-term, non-serious injuries or pain. High doses of Naproxen taken over a long period of time are associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

  When taking Naproxen tablets, take them with or just after a meal. If you’re taking Naproxen regularly, for a long period of time, for example to relieve pain of Ankylosing Spondylitis, your doctor or pharmacist will usually prescribe omeprazole or lansoprazole, to protect the lining of your stomach.

• How to take Naproxen tablets

  Take Naproxen as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Doses for older people, or people with liver, heart of kidney disease is typically lower.

  Take your dosage with or just after a meal. Do not take more than three tablets in 24 hours if you are taking naproxen for period pain.

• How long will Naproxen take to work?

  It can take up to two hours for Naproxen to reach its full effect; however, in most patients, it is quicker than this. The effects of Naproxen usually last 7-12 hours.

• What should I do if I miss a dose of Naproxen?

  If you miss a Naproxen dose, then take another tablet when you remember. If a long time has passed, and it’s nearly time for the next dose, do not double up to make up for the missed Naproxen dose.

• Will Naproxen affect my driving?

  Naproxen can cause drowsiness (although it is not a common side effect) and it can affect your vision. Driving or operating machinery should be avoided if either of these side effects occurs when you’re taking Naproxen.

• Who can and can’t take Naproxen tablets?

  Most people can take this medicine. It can also be prescribed to children to treat:

  • Muscle and bone disorders in babies over the age of 1 month
  • Joint pain and inflammation in children from the age of 2
  • Period pain for children under the age of 15

  Naproxen tablets aren’t a suitable medical treatment for everybody. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine including the active ingredient in this one
  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
  • Have or ever had stomach ulcers
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have severe liver or severe kidney disease
  • Have severe heart failure
  • Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Have Lupus
  • Have a blood clotting disorder
  • Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• Can I take Naproxen during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

  Naproxen shouldn’t be taken in the first six months of pregnancy unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is not recommended in the last three months of pregnancy or during breastfeeding.