Indications 

Naprosyn is a prescription medication used to alleviate pain caused by different conditions, including headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, tendonitis, and dental pain. 

Naprosyn is also indicated for reducing pain, swelling, and joint stiffness in several types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis), bursitis, and gout attacks. 

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), Naprosyn exhibits its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects by inhibiting the body’s production of prostaglandins which is a key mediator of inflammation. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Naprosyn and every time you get a refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns. 

The prescribed dosage of Naprosyn is determined by the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. Doctors usually recommend the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration to minimize adverse effects such as stomach bleeding. 

Typically, Naprosyn is taken 2 or 3 times a day as prescribed by the doctor, with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). To avoid stomach discomfort, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid. 

When taking Naprosyn regularly, take it at the same time(s) every day.  

If taking this medication “as needed,” take it at the first signs of pain for optimal effectiveness. Delaying administration until the pain worsens may reduce the drug’s efficacy. 

Take Naprosyn exactly as directed by your doctor and refrain from taking more or less than prescribed or exceeding the recommended frequency of administration. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the possible side effects of Naprosyn. If any of them last or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea 
• Headache, dizziness, and drowsiness 
• Bruising, itching, and rash 
• Swelling 
• Ringing in the ears 

Serious Side Effects 

• Shortness of breath (even with mild exertion) 
• Swelling or rapid weight gain 
• First sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild 
• Signs of stomach bleeding: 
  • Bloody or tarry stools 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Vomit that resembles coffee grounds 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Nausea 
  • Upper stomach pain 
  • Itching 
  • Tiredness 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Dark urine 
  • Clay-colored stools 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 
• Signs of kidney problems: 
  • Little or no urination 
  • Painful or difficult urination 
  • Swelling in feet or ankles 
  • Fatigue 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Indications of low red blood cells (anemia): 
  • Fatigue 
  • Pale skin 
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Trouble concentrating 
• Severe skin reaction: 
  • Fever 
  • Sore throat 
  • Facial or tongue swelling 
  • Eye burning 
  • Skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling 
• Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke such as: 
  • Chest pain 
  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Shortness of breath 

Stop taking Naprosyn and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the severe symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Rare but severe allergic reactions may occur while taking Naprosyn. Seek emergency medical help if you observe any of the following symptoms: 

• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Wheezing or trouble breathing 
• Hives 
• Facial, lips, tongue, or throat swelling 

Discontinue the use of Naprosyn and seek medical attention if you experience a severe drug reaction that may affect multiple parts of the body. Symptoms may comprise: 

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Swollen glands 
• Muscle aches 
• Severe weakness 
• Unusual bruising 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

The adverse effects of Naprosyn listed here are not comprehensive. If you experience any other effects not mentioned above, notify your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Naprosyn, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to: 

• Naproxen 
• Aspirin 
• Other NSAIDs such ketoprofen and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 
• Any medications for pain or fever 
• Other medications 
• Any of the ingredients in Naprosyn tablets 

To ensure Naprosyn is safe for you, inform your physician of your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Asthma or aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of breathing problems after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs) 
• Blood disorders (such as anemia) or bleeding/clotting problems 
• Nasal polyps or growths in the nose 
• Heart disease (such as previous heart attack) 
• High blood pressure 
• Liver disease 
• Stroke 
• Edema or fluid retention 
• Stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers) 

Before taking Naprosyn, tell your doctor and pharmacist all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking, to prevent drug interactions. 

Some products that may interact with Naprosyn include: 

• Aliskiren 
• Ace inhibitors (such as captopril, and lisinopril) 
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan) 
• Cidofovir 
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) 
• Lithium 
• Diuretics or “water pills” (such as furosemide) 

When taken with other drugs that may also cause bleeding, Naprosyn may increase the risk of bleeding. Examples of these drugs include: 

• Anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel 
• Blood thinners like dabigatran, enoxaparin, and warfarin 

Carefully check the labels of all your medications since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, or ketorolac, which are similar to Naprosyn and may increase the risk of side effects if taken together. 

However, if your doctor has prescribed low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, continue taking it unless instructed otherwise. Regular use of Naprosyn may lessen aspirin’s ability to prevent heart attack or stroke. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor and inquire about alternative pain/fever relief medications. 

Limit sun exposure while taking Naprosyn as it may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use protective measures like sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness. 

Naprosyn can affect the accuracy of some lab tests and may give false results. Inform your doctors and laboratory personnel about your use of this medication. 

Naprosyn may cause temporary fertility issues in women. Discuss any concerns about fertility with your doctor before taking this medication. 

Naprosyn can harm the fetus and cause delivery complications if taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Do not take naproxen after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless advised by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medication. 

Consult your doctor regarding the safety of breastfeeding while taking Naprosyn.