Aleve Easy Open Arthritis

Generic Name: naproxen (na PROX en)
Brand Name: Aleve, Aleve Caplet, Aleve Easy Open Arthritis, Aleve Gelcap, Anaprox, Anaprox-DS, Comfort Pac with Naproxen, EC-Naprosyn, Leader Naproxen Sodium, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan 375, Naprelan 500, Naprelan 750, Naprelan Dose Card, Naprosyn

What is Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Naproxen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

Naproxen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use naproxen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis

This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking naproxen, especially in older adults.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

Do not use naproxen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.

This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking naproxen, especially in older adults.

You should not use naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma;

• polyps in your nose;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• if you smoke.

FDA pregnancy category C. Before using naproxen, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Taking naproxen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take naproxen during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.

Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

How should I take Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

EC-Naprosyn is a slower-acting form of naproxen and this brand should be used only for treating arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release or enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. The extended-release pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you take naproxen for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since naproxen is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

What should I avoid while taking Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Naproxen can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking naproxen and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions) or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;

• bloating, gas;

• dizziness, headache, nervousness;

• skin itching or rash;

• blurred vision; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Aleve Easy Open Arthritis side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Aleve Easy Open Arthritis (naproxen)?

Ask your doctor before using an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Rapiflux, Sarafem, Selfemra, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro), or vilazodone (Viibryd). Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use naproxen if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);

• diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or

• heart or blood pressure medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with naproxen. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about naproxen.