Chemical Name: NAPROXEN (na-PROX-en)
Common uses
Anaprox Ds is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation). It is also used to treat headaches, muscle aches, backaches, tendonitis, bursitis, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or gout. Naproxen may be used to reduce fever, or relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician. Anaprox Ds works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain, swelling, and fever.
Prior to Use
Use of nonprescription products containing Anaprox Ds in children less than 12 years of age is not recommended unless directed to do so by your physician. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the
effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: serotonin reuptake blocker medicines such as fluoxetine or citalopram, alendronate, other medicine for arthritis, (such as aspirin or methotrexate), "blood thinners" such as warfarin, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cyclosporine, high blood pressure medicines (including ACE inhibitors such as captopril, angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as losartan, and beta-blockers such as metoprolol), lithium, other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or celecoxib, probenecid, or "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene). Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, swelling (edema, fluid retention), dehydration, blood disorders (e.g., anemia), bleeding or clotting problems, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), history of an allergic reaction with symptoms of lip/tongue/throat swelling (angioedema), any other allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Anaprox Ds if you have severe kidney disease, or an allergy to aspirin or other NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). If you have questions or concerns about Anaprox Ds, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Anaprox Ds or on the package. Anaprox Ds may be taken with food, milk, or an antacid if it upsets your stomach. Take Anaprox Ds with a full glass (8-oz./240 ml) of water as directed by your physician. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Anaprox Ds. If you use Anaprox Ds for migraine headache, and the pain is not relieved or worsens after the first dose, tell your physician immediately. FOR NONPRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS: If you are treating yourself or giving Anaprox Ds to a child for undiagnosed fever or pain, consult the physician immediately if symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, worsen, last more then 3 days, or if new symptoms appear. Store Anaprox Ds at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Anaprox Ds, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.
Warnings
In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks, taken regularly, for Anaprox Ds to work. Do not stop taking Anaprox Ds without checking with your physician. It is important that you keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Anaprox Ds. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your physician for more details. Anaprox Ds may alter certain lab test results Make sure laboratory personnel and your physicians know you use Anaprox Ds. Anaprox Ds may cause dizziness or drowsiness do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Anaprox Ds. Using Anaprox Ds alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages Anaprox Ds may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Anaprox Ds. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not use Anaprox Ds if you ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or arthritis. Anaprox Ds may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with Anaprox Ds, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more information. Anaprox Ds contains salt (sodium), if you are on a salt-restricted diet, talk with your physician about using Anaprox Ds. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . This includes any medicine that contains aspirin or other non-prescription pain relievers. Aspirin, as prescribed by your physician for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when using Anaprox Ds in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Anaprox Ds, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects. Women, this mediCINE should only be used when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Anaprox Ds is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Anaprox Ds during pregnancy. Anaprox Ds is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Anaprox Ds, check with your physician of pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Anaprox Ds include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, or dizziness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience swelling of your hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, unusual weakness or tiredness, or persistent sore throat or fever. Contact your physician immediately if you experience persistent stomach pain, black stools, blood in your vomit, easy or unusual bruising or bleeding, changes in the amount of your urine, darkening of your urine, yellowing of your eyes or skin, muscle pain or weakness, changes in hearing, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), vision changes, irregular heartbeat, severe headache or very stiff neck, mental or mood changes, or trouble sleeping. An allergic reaction to Anaprox Ds is unlikely but seek immediately medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, seizures, extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve and consult your physician if they worsen. Do not let anyone else use Anaprox Ds. Do not take Anaprox Ds to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children and pets. If you will be taking Anaprox Ds for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.