Description
What is Naproxen ?
Naproxen tablets serve as a potent pain management solution with added anti-inflammatory properties. This dual action renders them particularly effective for addressing ailments such as arthritis, characterized by inflamed and painful joints, as well as menstrual discomfort and muscle injuries. If you seek robust pain alleviation surpassing over-the-counter options, initiate a consultation with our experienced prescribers today to explore whether naproxen might offer the relief you desire.
Can I take Naproxen if I am Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should tell your prescriber about this during your consultation. You should limit unnecessary medications as much as possible during these times and naproxen is no different. You may be able to take this medication during the first 6 months of your pregnancy, but only if your doctor or prescriber recommends that it’s the right treatment for you. You should not take naproxen during the last 3 months of your pregnancy (your third trimester) or when you’re breastfeeding
How Naproxen works?
Naproxen belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sharing mechanisms akin to ibuprofen and aspirin. These drugs alleviate pain and inflammation by impeding the hormones responsible for them. Following tissue damage, pain signals stimulate the production of these hormones; however, NSAIDs obstruct the enzyme COX essential for their synthesis. Consequently, naproxen addresses pain and swelling at their origin, and it can also alleviate high temperatures or fevers when present.
Can I take Naproxen with other Medicines?
If you’re taking any other medications, including herbal remedies or medicines you obtained without a prescription, you should tell your prescriber about these during your consultation. Especially if you are already taking any of the following:
- Other painkillers, e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, COX II inhibitors (e.g. celecoxib, etoricoxib)
- Epilepsy medications, e.g. phenytoin
- Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, e.g. warfarin
- Medications used to treat infections, e.g. sulphonamides like hydrochlorothiazide
- Medications used for heart failure, e.g. diuretics like furosemide, cardiac glycosides like digoxin
- Medicines for high blood pressure, e.g. propranolol, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors like cilazapril
- Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, e.g. candesartan, eprosartan, losartan
- Quinolone antibiotics, e.g. ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin
- Medications for gout and psoriasis, e.g. probenecid, methotrexate
- Medications for arthritis, e.g. steroids, prednisolone
- Medications for mental health problems, e.g. SSRIs (including citalopram and fluoxetine) and lithium
- Antacids, which are used to treat indigestion
- Cholestyramine, which is used for high blood pressure
- Anti-diabetic drugs, e.g. glimepiride, glipizide
- Zidovudine, which is used to treat AIDS and HIV
- Bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid, which are used to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases
- Tacrolimus and ciclosporin, which are immunosuppressants used after transplants
- Mifepristone, which is prescribed to terminate a pregnancy
How to use
If you are prescribed naproxen 500mg tablets, then you will be given dosage instructions printed on the packaging of your medication. You should follow this dose carefully, but usually you will be recommended the following doses, which come from the manufacturer:
| Condition |
Dose |
| Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis |
1 or 2 tablets a day taken 12 hours apart |
| Acute gout |
750mg (1 and a half tablets) immediately. After that, half a tablet every 8 hours until your attack has passed |
| Musculoskeletal disorders and period pain |
1 tablet immediately. After that, half a tablet every 6 – 8 hours as needed. Do not take more than 2 and a half tablets 24 hours |
| Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children aged 5 – 16 years |
This dose will be worked out by your prescriber or your child’s doctor, using their weight to calculate how much they need. Take this recommended dose 12 hours apart, making sure to follow the prescriber’s instructions carefully |
Side Effects
Like all medications, naproxen can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking this product you should stop use and seek immediate medical attention:
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, e.g. Skin rashes, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Serious skin reactions, e.g. blistering, peeling
- Symptoms of serious stomach or gut problems, e.g. blood in your poo or black, tarry looking poo, vomiting blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas, worsening of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Symptoms of liver problems, e.g. yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, feeling tired, loss of appetite, pale coloured poo, problems in blood tests
- Heart attacks, showing symptoms such as chest pain which may spread down your arms, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating
- Meningitis, showing symptoms such as a severe headache, a stiff neck, being sick, fever
Other side effects you may experience include:
- Heartburn, indigestion
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Wind
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Confusion
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- Fits or seizures
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles
- Changes to your eyesight
Warning
Naproxen is not suitable for use in children under the age of 16 unless specifically recommended by a doctor to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Do not take this product if you are allergic to naproxen, any other NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen), or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this medication if you have or have ever had:
- A stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding of the stomach or intestine
- Asthma, hay fever, itchiness or a skin rash after taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other NSAIDs
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers or bleeding in your digestive tract
- Severe liver or kidney problems
- A bleeding disorder, e.g. cerebrovascular bleeding
- Blood or dark particles which look like coffee grounds in your poo or black tarry poo
- Haemorrhoids, piles, or an increased risk of rectal bleeding
Tell your prescriber during your consultation if you have or have ever had:
- Asthma, hay fever, or allergies, especially if these cause swelling of the tongue or throat, inflammation in your nose, nasal polyps, or breathing difficulties
- Any blood clotting disorders or are taking any blood thinners
- Heart or circulation problems such as swollen feet or hands
- Liver or adrenal function tests planned
- Kidney or liver problems, including alcohol-related disease
- A stroke or are at an increased risk of stroke, for example, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker
Delivery and Returns
Standard Delivery
Our standard delivery charge is £2.90.
We aim to deliver orders within 3-5 working days to the shipping address provided by you in your order if the shipping address is in the UK. For orders being delivered outside mainland UK, this will be longer and we cannot give a guaranteed delivery time due to the differences between carriers. Delivery timescales are estimates only. If you do not receive your order within 14 days of us confirming your order has been sent you must notify us and we will investigate the non-delivery provided.
Prescriptions
Private prescription medicines are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery free of charge (all private prescription items have a minimum order value of £5.00).
NHS prescription medicines are sent by Royal Mail Signed
Normal delivery charges will apply for non-prescription items in the same basket.
Returns
If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, you can return it within 28 days.
We cannot accept the return of prescription medicines.
