Naproxen and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Lee...
• October 8, 2018

Naproxen for Osteoarthritis "2013/14 took 2 Aleve every a.m. for knees. I found myself feeling weak - like going to pass out. Went to primary next day. Checked blood count and did the rectal blood. Told my SO to get me to emergency now. Blood count 7 and needed transfusion. Had endoscopy. Released after 3 days - blood normal. Told to see gastro upon my release. Over the next week had colonoscopy, intestinal exam, and lastly capsule endoscopy - swallow a small capsule camera to film 8 hours going through my body. Dr. and I reviewed the results. Three places in intestines indicated bleeding - I could see them. He asked me food or meds I was taking - Aleve had caused the bleeding as it is an NSAID. I can't take any NSAID and nothing with aspirin in it or I may bleed. So now I basically live w/o taking anything for pain. ALEVE - Read the package - very small print - may cause BLEEDING."

• Tom...
• February 2, 2021

For Pain "I’ve been using naproxen tablets for three months until one night I was sick, my vomit had red blood in it and blood that was a real black color, and I had stomach cramps. I saw my doctor, and he said I have had a bleed in the stomach to come off the tablet straight away. The naproxen tablets had caused a bleed. I am now on another lot of tablets to repair my stomach. Stay away from these tablets, do not use."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2016

For Period Pain "I've suffered from horrible period cramps my entire life. When I was younger, I would need to be picked up from school and was bedridden all day. Advil has never helped reduce these cramps, in fact, it made my bleeding heavier. I started taking naproxen after my OB-GYN recommended it, and it really does help to reduce the severity of the cramps. I still get mild cramps the first two days, but I am able to function and perform my daily activities. It works more efficiently if you take it twice a day for a few days leading to your period."

• ran...
• June 17, 2009

For Osteoarthritis "I took Naproxen for eight months before my doctor associated it with the severe side effect of my throat swelling and the feeling of something stuck in my throat, stomach bleeding, neck pain, and enduring an esophagoscopy."

• Ian...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 29, 2019

For Back Pain "I suffer with chronic back pain. Naproxen is the only painkiller to ease it. Take it with omeprazole, though, as it can give you stomach ulcers/bleeding, which I had when I was taking it every day. I now just take it as and when required and with omeprazole."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2010

Naproxen for Pain "I love Aleve, but people should talk to their doctor first. I have sometimes severe pain in my toes and severe headaches from TMJ, and the Aleve significantly cuts down on my pain from both. Don't forget to talk to your doctor because the risk of stomach bleeding and the risk of heart attack rise with some users."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started having naproxen 500 mg twice a day with omeprazole for the last five weeks. It seemed to work well with my arthritis in my hands and with my new replacement knee. I now have had to stop this medication due to stomach issues: pain in the stomach and tar-like stools (gastric bleed?). So it is back to the doctor to seek an alternative medicine."

• Her...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2022

For Costochondritis "I've had costochondritis for several years now (on and off) and ibuprofen has always gotten rid of the pain, until 24th Feb 2022. The pain lasted for over a week, and I had to call the doctor as I couldn't even sleep for more than two hours at a time, it was that painful. He prescribed me naproxen (never taken it before) and said they might have side effects, but I've never had side effects from any medication. I took one tablet along with omeprazole, and the pain is actually getting easier to manage. The omeprazole was to prevent ulcers in my stomach, as naproxen does this, also, the stomach can get a bleed and all sorts of stuff can happen through taking naproxen. I live in the UK, so I never paid for this prescription."

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2018

For Sciatica "Please be aware, it can cause extreme bleeding inside your body. Do not take unless I absolutely have to. It does not even help with pain like it's supposed to."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Period Pain "Had 5 days of bad bleeding, but just 1 dose of 220 mg, it went down to med flow."