NALGESIN

This medicine contains the active ingredient naproxen which is also called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or just 'anti-inflammatory'. NSAIDs are used to ease pain, stiffness and inflammation of conditions that affect muscles, bones and joints. Naproxen is also used to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, gout, lower back pain, strains, painful periods, and it is used after surgical operations.

Naproxen, as well as other NSAIDs, eases pain and inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals called ‘prostaglandins’, which are produced at sites of injury or damage.

Is Naproxen suitable for me?

Naproxen is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to naproxen, other NSAIDs or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have ever had a peptic ulcer or bleeding in your gut
• if you have any gut disorders
• if you have severe heart problems
• if you have severe liver or kidney problems
• if you are in the last three months of pregnancy

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have ever had any disease of the stomach or intestine
• have asthma or any allergic disease 
• have heart, kidney or liver problems
• have blood clotting disorder
• have high blood pressure,
• have diabetes
• have a condition porphyria
• have had a stroke, or have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes
• have high cholesterol, or you smoke
• are elderly
• suffer from any stomach or bowel disorders (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
• have a connective-tissue disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus

Naproxen interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Naproxen?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take naproxen exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

        ~            The usual starting dose for the treatment of muscle, joint or tendon problems and period pain is 550 mg, followed by 275 mg tablet every 6 to 8 hours.

        ~            The usual dose for the treatment of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is between 550 mg and 1100 mg, taken as two divided doses.

        ~            The usual dose for the treatment of gout is 825 mg for the first dose, and then 275 mg every eight hours until the attack has passed.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Naproxen side effects?

Like all medicines naproxen can cause side effects, including:

Common

• constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea
• inflammation of the lining of the mouth
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness,
• itching, skin rash, bleeding in the skin or mucous membranes (ecchymosis)
• reddish small stains or spots on the skin
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing disorders
• visual disturbances
• palpitations
• thirst, swelling
• shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Uncommon

• gastrointestinal bleeding and / or perforation of the stomach
• vomiting of blood from the stomach or esophagus
• blood in stool (melena), vomiting
• changes in concentrations of liver enzymes, jaundice
• depression, abnormal dreams, inability to concentrate, insomnia, fatigue
• muscle pain and muscle weakness
• hair loss
• photosensitive dermatitis
• hearing loss
• heart failure (congestive heart failure)
• hypersensitivity reactions
• fever (pyrexia)
• menstrual disorders
• kidney problems
• changes in the blood count (eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
• pneumonia  

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.