THE PREPARATION DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED FOR MEDICATION WITHOUT PARTICIPATION OF THE DOCTOR!

What is Naprosyn?

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

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

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

Important information about Naprosyn

Naprosyn can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Naprosyn. Do not use Naprosyn just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Naprosyn can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Naprosyn. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

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

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Naprosyn (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Naprosyn. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Naprosyn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naprosyn can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result.

How should I take Naprosyn?

Take Naprosyn exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it 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 enteric-coated Naprosyn tablet. Swallow the pill whole. 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. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked 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 Naprosyn for a long period of time, your doctor may want to check you on a regular basis to make sure Naprosyn is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Naprosyn at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Naprosyn is sometimes taken only when 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. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Naprosyn?

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Naprosyn (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen. Do not drink alcohol while taking Naprosyn. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Naprosyn. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naprosyn can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Naprosyn side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Naprosyn: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Naprosyn 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, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
* fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
* bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
* fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious Naprosyn 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.