Sometimes, a doctor gives us painkillers for conditions like knee pain, joint pain, and arthritis. However, if we continue to take some painkillers, things like stomach inflammation and gastritis can occur. So, to stop it, we have to give a medicine that reduces stomach acid along with it. Today, we are talking about a special medicine that combines two such medicines and makes it into one medicine.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Naproxen: This belongs to a group of medications that relieve pain and reduce swelling . Doctors call it a ``Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug'' or ``NSAID''. It helps reduce pain and swelling in your joints. It is commonly prescribed for conditions like arthritis.
2. Lansoprazole: This is a medicine that reduces the production of stomach acid . This is called a ``Proton Pump Inhibitor'' or ``(PPI)''. This is added to prevent gastritis and stomach ulcers that can occur in the stomach due to medicines like Naproxen mentioned above.
That means, while this medicine reduces your pain, it also protects you from the potential stomach damage caused by that painkiller.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor about these things, as using this medicine with these conditions can be risky.
- If you are a smoker .
- If you have recently had heart bypass surgery (CABG surgery), that is, within two weeks .
- If someone consumes more than three types of alcohol per day.
- If you have conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure .
- If you have had stomach bleeding in the past.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
- If you have lung diseases like asthma .
- If you have an allergic reaction to NSAIDs such as Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen, PPIs such as Lansoprazole, other medications, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
How should I use the medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Please do not chew or crush this tablet. Swallow it whole. Take the medicine at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Important: This medicine may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke when used continuously for a long time. Therefore, always use it only for the period prescribed by your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
There are several important things you need to pay attention to when using this medicine.
Risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding in some people without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, getting older, and having underlying health conditions increase this risk. If you have severe stomach pain , vomit blood , or have black, tarry stools (which could mean you're passing old blood), call your doctor right away.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, long-term use may increase the risk. If you are taking a medicine such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor about using this medicine.
Possible severe skin reactions
Some people may develop serious skin reactions weeks or months after starting the medicine. If you develop a red rash with symptoms like fever or chills , if the rash turns into blisters or if the skin starts to peel , seek medical advice immediately. Or if you develop a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, neck, or armpits, be concerned.
During pregnancy
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine, especially between the 20th and 30th weeks of pregnancy, may harm the unborn baby. You should avoid taking this medicine completely after the 30th week .
Other important points
- This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you.
- Alcohol consumption can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine, so avoid alcohol .
- There is a slight increase in bleeding while taking this medication, so be careful when brushing and flossing. If you are going to have dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or bloody stools, blood in vomit, blood in urine, unusual bruising |
| Heart and nervous system | Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, seizures |
| Other severe symptoms | Severe stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, fever, sore throat, blurred vision, unexplained weight gain or swelling |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor injuries | Headache, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and only for the prescribed period.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
- Be on the lookout for symptoms like severe stomach pain, black stools, and vomiting blood. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be aware of the risk of heart attack and stroke when using this medication long-term.
- Avoid taking other painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen while taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
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