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People taking naproxen should keep the following precautions and warnings in mind:
Certain medications can interact with naproxen.
All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including naproxen, have been reported to cause cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke, which can result in loss of life. People who have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors appear to be at greater risk. To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, people should take the smallest effective naproxen dosage for the shortest period of time. Also, call an ambulance if you notice things such as: Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Weakness, Slurring of speech.
All NSAIDs may worsen high blood pressure or cause it. Naproxen should be used with caution in people with known high blood pressure (hypertension).
All NSAIDs, including naproxen, may cause congestive heart failure or swelling. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if you notice unexplained weight gain or swelling. Also, this medication should be used with caution in people with heart failure.
All NSAIDs have been reported to cause problems in the stomach and intestines, including bleeding (known as gastrointestinal bleeding), stomach ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines (perforation). These problems can lead to serious complications or even loss of life. Extreme caution should be used if naproxen is prescribed for people with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. To decrease the chances of these problems occurring, people should take the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of stomach ulcers or bleeding, including: Stomach pain, Indigestion, Black, tarry stools, Vomiting blood.
Kidney damage can happen in people taking NSAIDs, including naproxen. It is more common in people with kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, those taking diuretics or ACE inhibitor medications, and the elderly.
Liver damage can happen with people taking naproxen. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as: Nausea, Tiredness, Lethargy, Itchy or yellowing skin (jaundice), Abdominal pain (stomach pain), Flu-like symptoms.
NSAIDs, including naproxen, have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face and throat.
In rare cases, people taking naproxen can develop a serious rash. If you notice an unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or itchy skin, stop taking the drug and call your healthcare provider.
If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting naproxen. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting naproxen.
NSAIDS have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting naproxen and 12 weeks after treatment has started.
Naproxen has been known to cause anemia. If you are taking this medication for an extended amount of time and show signs of anemia, talk to your healthcare provider.
You should not take naproxen with any other NSAIDs, as this may increase your risk for any of the problems discussed previously. Many NSAIDs are available with or without a prescription; make sure to read labels carefully. A list of NSAIDs includes: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Nabumetone, Oxaprozin, Celecoxib, Meloxicam, Etodolac, Ketoprofen.
Naproxen could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should take this medication only if the benefit to you outweighs the possible risk to your unborn child. Naproxen is not recommended for women in the third trimester of pregnancy because it can cause injury (even death) to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are nursing, you should not take naproxen. Ask your healthcare provider if you should stop nursing or discontinue the medicine.
You should not take naproxen if you:
- Are allergic to naproxen or any component of its brand-name products (e.g., Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Naprelan).
- Have an active bleeding condition, such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the head.
- Have an allergic reaction, hives, or asthma that is caused by aspirin or NSAIDs.
- Are having or have recently had coronary bypass graft surgery (often known as open heart surgery, bypass surgery, or just CABG).
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy or are nursing.
There are a number of situations in which naproxen should not be taken, as well as a number of precautions and warnings people should be aware of before starting treatment. However, it is possible that not all of the warnings or precautions were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the specific precautions and warnings with naproxen that may apply to you.
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