Description
IndicationsÂ
Anaprox is a prescription medication used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by various conditions, including:Â
- Osteoarthritis (joint lining breakdown)Â
- Rheumatoid arthritis (joint lining swelling)Â
- Juvenile arthritis (a joint disease in children)Â
- Ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis)Â
Anaprox is also used to relieve pain from:Â
- Bursitis (inflammation of a shoulder joint sac)Â
- Tendinitis (inflammation of muscle-to-bone tissue)Â
- Gouty arthritis (attacks of joint pain from substance build-up)Â
- Menstrual cramps (pain before or during menstrual periods)Â
- Mild to moderate pain from other causesÂ
Categorized as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), Anaprox is thought to inhibit the body’s production of pain, fever, and inflammation-inducing substances, although its precise mechanism of action remains unclear.Â
Uses and DosageÂ
Before taking Anaprox and with each prescription refill, thoroughly read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist.Â
Anaprox dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, doctors usually initiate this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.Â
Anaprox is usually taken two or three times daily, accompanied by a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). To avoid stomach upset, it may be taken with food, milk, or an antacid. Â
Adhere strictly to the prescribed usage of Anaprox. Avoid taking this medication more frequently or in higher doses than instructed by your doctor.Â
For regular use of Anaprox, maintain a consistent dosing schedule. For as-needed use, taking this medication at the first sign of pain is recommended, as it provides optimal relief. Delaying treatment until the pain becomes severe may diminish the effectiveness of this drug.Â
Side EffectsÂ
Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Anaprox. If any of these side effects last or worsen, notify your doctor right away.Â
Common Side EffectsÂ
- HeadacheÂ
- IndigestionÂ
- HeartburnÂ
- Fu symptomsÂ
Serious Side EffectsÂ
- Shortness of breathÂ
- Swelling or rapid weight gainÂ
- Skin rash or blistersÂ
- Bloody or tarry stoolsÂ
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee groundsÂ
- NauseaÂ
- Upper stomach painÂ
- Loss of appetiteÂ
- Dark urineÂ
- Clay-colored stoolsÂ
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Â
- Little or no urinationÂ
- Painful urinationÂ
- Swelling in feet or anklesÂ
- Anemia (low red blood cells)Â
- Pale skinÂ
- TirednessÂ
- Feeling lightheadedÂ
- Cold hands or feetÂ
Get medical help right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.Â
Allergic ReactionsÂ
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction to Anaprox, including:Â
- HivesÂ
- Severe abdominal painÂ
- Difficulty breathingÂ
- Face, lips, tongue, or throat swellingÂ
This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Anaprox. If you notice other effects not listed above, inform your doctor. Â
CautionsÂ
Before taking Anaprox, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to:Â
- NaproxenÂ
- AspirinÂ
- Other NSAIDs Â
- Any medicationsÂ
- Any ingredients present in Anaprox tabletsÂ
To ensure Anaprox is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of:Â
- Asthma, aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsened breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)Â
- Blood disorders such as anemiaÂ
- Bleeding/clotting problemsÂ
- Growths in the nose (nasal polyps)Â
- Heart disease such as previous heart attackÂ
- High blood pressureÂ
- Liver diseaseÂ
- StrokeÂ
- Swelling (edema, fluid retention)Â
- Stomach, intestinal, or esophagus problems such as bleeding, heartburn, or ulcersÂ
To avoid the possibility of drug interactions, inform your physician and pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products, as Anaprox may interact with many medications.Â
Some medications that may interact with Anaprox include:Â
- AliskirenÂ
- Ace inhibitors (such as captopril, and lisinopril)Â
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan andvalsartan)Â
- CidofovirÂ
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)Â
- LithiumÂ
- Diuretics (such as furosemide)Â
Anaprox may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also have the potential to cause bleeding, such as:Â
- Anti-platelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel)Â
- Blood thinners (e.g., dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin) and othersÂ
Be cautious when taking prescription and non-prescription medications, as many contain pain relievers/fever reducers such as aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketorolac), which are similar to Anaprox and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together.Â
If your doctor has instructed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, continue taking it unless instructed otherwise. However, daily use of Anaprox may reduce aspirin’s ability to prevent heart attack/stroke. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor and ask about alternative pain/fever relief options.Â
Anaprox may affect specific lab tests and potentially lead to inaccurate test results. Inform all your doctors and lab personnel that you are taking this medication.Â
Anaprox can cause drowsiness and dizziness, particularly when used in combination with alcohol or specific drugs. Use Anaprox cautiously and avoid operating heavy machinery or engaging in other dangerous activities until you are aware of how it affects you.Â
Limit alcohol and quit smoking while taking Anaprox to avoid an increased risk of stomach bleeding. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about safe alcohol consumption levels.Â
Taking Anaprox can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Take precautions to limit your exposure to the sun, including avoiding tanning booths and sunlamps, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. If you experience sunburn, skin blisters, or redness, inform your doctor immediately.Â
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Taking Anaprox after 20 weeks of pregnancy may harm the fetus and cause delivery complications. Unless directed by your doctor, avoid using this medication during or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Anaprox, inform your doctor immediately.Â
Anaprox contains naproxen, which can be present in breast milk. Consult with your doctor if you are nursing or plan to breastfeed while using Anaprox, as there may be potential risks to your infant.Â