Naproxen 500mg tablet What Naproxen is used for: Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used to reduce inflammation and pain in joints and muscles. Naproxen tablets are used to treat: Diseases of joints such as rheumatoid arthritis (including in children), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis. Naproxen cannot cure arthritis but is used to give relief of some symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain Attacks of gout Muscle and bone disorers Painful periods Do not take Naproxen if: Hypersensitivity to Naproxen. Are in the last three months of pregnancy or if you are breast-feeding. Are allergic to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), or you have developed signs of asthma (wheezing), runny nose, and swelling of the skin or rash when taking these medicines. Have or have had stomach or duodenum (gut) ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal bleeding) or have had two or more episodes of peptic ulcers, stomach bleeding or perforation. Have severe liver, kidney or heart failure. Warnings & Precautions: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Naproxen tablets if you: Use other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or any medication which may cause bleeding or ulcers in the stomach Have a history of gastrointestinal disease e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease Smoke Drink alcohol Have or have had high blood pressure or any liver, kidney or heart problems Have or have had bronchial asthma, other breathing problems or nasal polyps Have systemic lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue disorders Have a blood clotting disorder Are a women trying to become pregnant or undergoing investigation of infertility Possible Side Effects: Headache Dizziness Tiredness Other medicines and Naproxen: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: Aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid to prevent blood clots Other NSAIDs such as COX II inhibitors Medicines which thin the blood or which prevent blood clotting (e.g. heparin or warfarin Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone), if needed the doctor will reduce the dose of the steroid slowly and monitor for side effects Diuretics (“water tablets”) (e.g. furosemide) Medicines to treat high blood pressure (e.g. captopril, ramipril or propranolol, losartan or candesartan) Ciclosporin or tacrolimus Mifepristone – do not take NSAIDs 8-12 days after mifepristone SSRI antidepressants (paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine) Zidovudine Quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) Probenecid Methotrexate Bisphosphonates Colestyramine (take naproxen 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colestyramine to avoid interference with absorption) Lithium Hydantoins (e.g. phenytoin) Sulfonamides (e.g. sulfamethoxazole) Sulfonylureas (e.g. glibenclamide or gliclazide) Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin). How to take Naproxen: Adults: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 500mg-1g a day in two doses at twelve hour intervals. Attack of gout: Initially 750mg as a single dose then 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed. Muscle, bone disorders and painful periods: Initially 500mg as a single dose then 250mg every 6-8 hours as necessary. Use in children and adolescents Children over 5 years for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 10mg per kg of body weight a day Take as prescribed Swallow with or after food Avoid alcohol while taking Naproxen How to store Naproxen: Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store below 25ºC in a dry place. Protect from light. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. A valid prescription should be available upon delivery