NAPROXEN
Patient Counselling
Aleve® (naproxen) is an over-the-counter medicine that reduces pain caused by tension-type headache symptoms. This medication helps by reducing inflammation and acting as an analgesic.
You should not use this medicine if naproxen or similar products (Ex. ibuprofen, ketoprofen, aspirin) has ever caused you to have an
asthma attack, hives, or another allergic reaction. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you have renal impairment, uncontrolled hypertension or heart problems. Avoid taking this medicine right before or right after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Consult
your doctor prior to taking this medicine if you are also taking warfarin, steroids, a diuretic “water pill”, lithium, methotrexate, diabetes medicine by mouth, or beta blockers.
The average onset of action occurs in 30-60 minutes, lasting up to 12 hours long. Avoid ASA, or other NSAIDs, if there is a history of peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to naproxen.
Under 12 years of age:
safety not established, so do not take the drug.
Adults (12-65 years):
Take 1 caplet/capsule every 8-12 hours
Adults (>65 years):
1 caplet/capsule every 12 hours
Administration
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
Note, delayed onset of action may occur if taken with meals.
Always drink a full glass of water after each dose.
Do not take more than 2 caplets/caplets within a 24 hour period.
Do not use with other pain relief medicines.
Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine
-You may experience common side effects including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, ringing or buzzing in the ears, bloating,
diarrhoea, and constipation.
-Too much medicine may cause symptoms including drowsiness, heartburn,
nausea, and vomiting.
-Call Poison Control Centre or a doctor immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Call your doctor or pharmacist right away if you notice
any of the following symptoms:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your
mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Blood in your urine
Bloody or black, tarry stools.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Flu-like symptoms
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Redness or swelling of the body area where you have pain.
Severe stomach pain.
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
References
Davis P, Juby, A. Chapter 78: Osteoarthritis. Repchinsky C, editor. Therapeutic Choices 6th Ed. Canadian Pharmacists Association,
2011; p. 1033.
Care Notes. Naproxen [Internet]. [Cited 2012 Mar 09].
Thomson Reuters; 2012. Available from: http://bit.ly/yfyv2c
You should not use this medicine if naproxen or similar products (Ex. ibuprofen, ketoprofen, aspirin) has ever caused you to have an
asthma attack, hives, or another allergic reaction. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you have renal impairment, uncontrolled hypertension or heart problems. Avoid taking this medicine right before or right after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Consult
your doctor prior to taking this medicine if you are also taking warfarin, steroids, a diuretic “water pill”, lithium, methotrexate, diabetes medicine by mouth, or beta blockers.
The average onset of action occurs in 30-60 minutes, lasting up to 12 hours long. Avoid ASA, or other NSAIDs, if there is a history of peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to naproxen.
Under 12 years of age:
safety not established, so do not take the drug.
Adults (12-65 years):
Take 1 caplet/capsule every 8-12 hours
Adults (>65 years):
1 caplet/capsule every 12 hours
Administration
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
Note, delayed onset of action may occur if taken with meals.
Always drink a full glass of water after each dose.
Do not take more than 2 caplets/caplets within a 24 hour period.
Do not use with other pain relief medicines.
Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine
-You may experience common side effects including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, ringing or buzzing in the ears, bloating,
diarrhoea, and constipation.
-Too much medicine may cause symptoms including drowsiness, heartburn,
nausea, and vomiting.
-Call Poison Control Centre or a doctor immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Call your doctor or pharmacist right away if you notice
any of the following symptoms:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your
mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Blood in your urine
Bloody or black, tarry stools.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Flu-like symptoms
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Redness or swelling of the body area where you have pain.
Severe stomach pain.
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
References
Davis P, Juby, A. Chapter 78: Osteoarthritis. Repchinsky C, editor. Therapeutic Choices 6th Ed. Canadian Pharmacists Association,
2011; p. 1033.
Care Notes. Naproxen [Internet]. [Cited 2012 Mar 09].
Thomson Reuters; 2012. Available from: http://bit.ly/yfyv2c