In our daily lives, we use painkillers for various reasons such as body pain, back pain, and joint swelling. So, Naproxen is a painkiller that is often recommended by doctors and used by many people. But there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medicine. Let's talk about it today.
What is this Naproxen?
Simply put, naproxen is a medication that is used to control pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). That is, these are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Your doctor may have given you an "extended-release" pill. This means that the medicine is released into your body gradually, over a period of several hours, even after you've been awake. That's why sometimes you get a headache when you take just one pill a day. This medicine may come under different brand names, but they all contain the same active ingredient, naproxen.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using naproxen, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions, as this medication is not suitable for everyone.
| Your medical condition or habit | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease (heart attack, heart failure) or recent bypass surgery (CABG) | Medications like naproxen can slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| High Blood Pressure | This medication can further increase blood pressure. |
| Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other disorders | Naproxen can damage the stomach walls and increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This drug is excreted from the body through the kidneys and liver. If these organs are weak, the drug can accumulate in the body and cause damage. |
| Asthma disease | For some asthma patients, medications such as naproxen or aspirin may worsen symptoms. |
| Use of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin) or steroids | Taking naproxen with these medications greatly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Frequent drinking or smoking | These habits further increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Taking this medicine during pregnancy, especially in the last three months, may harm the baby. |
The medicine should be used in the right way.
When using a medication like this, it is very important to take it very carefully and exactly as the doctor tells you.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet like a gum. This is an "extended-release" tablet, as doing so may release the medicine into the body too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Don't stop: Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.
This medicine is for you only! Do not give a medicine that the doctor has prescribed for you to someone else who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
What if I overdose?
If you suspect that you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with naproxen (Interactions)
Naproxen can interact with other things you are taking, so tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and other NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac)
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin)
- Some high blood pressure medications and diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Types of steroids (e.g. Prednisone)
This list is not complete. Be sure to tell your doctor about all vitamins, herbal products, and other medications you are taking.
Be especially careful about these things when taking medication!
While taking naproxen, it is very important to pay attention to changes in your body.
Stomach problems
Naproxen can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Sometimes this can happen without warning . See a doctor right away if you have stomach pain, black stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds . Smoking, drinking alcohol, and getting older increase this risk.
Heart disease risk
Using this medicine for a long time, especially if you already have heart disease, may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. So do not use it for longer than your doctor tells you to.
Skin reactions
Some people may develop a severe skin reaction a few weeks or months after starting the medication. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin .
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should think twice before taking this medicine. Taking it, especially between 20 and 30 weeks, can harm the unborn baby. After 30 weeks, taking this medicine is completely prohibited. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor about this.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, naproxen can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart Attack/Stroke Symptoms | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, or arm, difficulty breathing, sudden numbness, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of kidney or liver damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of ankles/hands/feet, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if bothersome | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, stomach upset, nausea, loss of appetite. |
Take-Home Message
- Naproxen is a medication that should be used under the advice of a doctor. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time.
- If it is an "Extended-Release" tablet, never break, crush, or chew it. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart, kidney, or stomach diseases) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as stomach pain, black stools, severe skin rashes, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
- Taking naproxen while drinking alcohol greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
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