Have you been prescribed Naproxen Suspension by a doctor for joint pain, muscle pain, or a condition like arthritis? If so, this article will be very important to you. This is a medication that we usually use for pain and swelling. Let's take a look at this medication, what to be careful of when using it, and the possible side effects.
What kind of medicine is Naproxen?
Simply put, Naproxen is a painkiller that belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) . It works by controlling the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain, swelling, and fever. Therefore, it is very helpful in controlling mild to moderate pain such as joint pain, arthritis pain, and muscle pain.
This medicine can be used for other purposes than what your doctor has prescribed. If you have any questions about it, it is best to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting Naproxen, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your medical condition. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Disease or condition | Why should you care? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Asthma | For some people, asthma may worsen. |
| Bleeding problems | Because this medicine slightly reduces blood clotting, the risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Diarrhea or dehydration | The risk of kidney damage increases. |
| Frequent alcohol use | The risk of stomach bleeding is greatly increased. |
| Having a history of heart attack or stroke | NSAID medications can increase the risk of these conditions recurring. |
| Recent bypass surgery (CABG) | It is not recommended to take this medicine during the first two weeks after surgery. |
| Heart disease, High blood pressure, Heart failure | Fluid retention in the body and increased blood pressure can increase the strain on the heart. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | Because medications are excreted from the body through these organs, side effects may increase if their function is impaired. |
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | The current situation could get worse. |
| Tobacco use | Increases the risk of stomach problems. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The fetus can be harmed, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | A small amount of the medicine may pass into breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | There is also a possibility of an allergy to Naproxen. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time, just as your doctor told you.
- Shake well: Since this is a liquid medicine, you need to shake the bottle well before using it . This will ensure that all the ingredients of the medicine are well mixed and you get the correct dose.
- Correct measurement: Use the measuring cup, oral syringe, or spoon provided to measure the medicine. Do not use regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not measure accurately, and you may get too little or too much.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience discomfort such as heartburn or gastritis, taking the medicine with a meal may reduce that discomfort.
- Don't stop: Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Some medications for gastritis (e.g. antacids containing magnesium oxide or aluminum hydroxide) should not be taken at the same time as this medicine. If you are taking such a medicine, take Naproxen a few hours after it. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor.
For young children and adults
This medicine is prescribed for children over the age of 2 in some special cases. But it should only be done under the supervision of a pediatrician. Also, since people over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger, the doctor usually prescribes a lower dose.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that interact with Naproxen
If you are taking medication for another condition, it is essential to tell your doctor about it, as some medications can cause unwanted reactions when taken together with Naproxen.
| Never take Naproxen with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac (another strong NSAID) |
| As interactions may occur with these, consult a doctor. | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and similar medications |
| Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin) | Cyclosporine |
| Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease) | Diuretics (medicines that remove fluid from the kidneys) |
| Lithium (for mental illness) | Medication for high blood pressure |
| Methotrexate | Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen |
| Probenecid | Some medications for depression (SSRIs) |
| Steroids such as Prednisone and Cortisone | Supplements like garlic, ginger, and ginkgo |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving.
Very important: Do not take other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, while taking Naproxen. Doing so greatly increases the risk of side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, stomach ulcers, and bleeding. Some over-the-counter medications may also contain these, so read the label carefully.
- Stomach bleeding: This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . This risk is especially high with long-term use. If you have symptoms such as stomach pain, black, tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , see a doctor immediately.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: Long-term use of this drug may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. This risk is especially high in people with heart disease.
- Severe skin reactions: Sometimes, even weeks after starting the medication, serious skin reactions can occur. If you experience fever, body aches, red or purple blisters on your skin, or a rash , seek medical advice immediately.
- During pregnancy: Taking this medicine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. It is not recommended at all after 30 weeks.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Naproxen can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack | Chest, shoulder, or arm tightness or pain, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Appetite |
| Nausea | Upset stomach |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Keep the medicine bottle in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature: Store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees F), protected from light, with the bottle cap tightly closed. Avoid exposure to excessive heat.
- After the expiration date: Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. Some pharmacies have programs to take back expired medications. Otherwise, remove the medication from the container, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place it in a bag and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Naproxen is an NSAID that reduces pain and swelling.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and other medications you are taking.
- It is best to take the medicine with a meal to avoid stomach upset.
- Avoid taking other pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin when taking naproxen.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe chest pain, or severe skin rashes.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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