Can Aleve Cause Stomach Pain

What Are The Side Effects Of Nsaids

The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to their effects on the stomach and bowels . Some 10% to 50% of patients are unable to tolerate treatment with NSAIDs because of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term treatment with NSAIDs develop a peptic ulcer . Even though many of these patients with ulcers do not have symptoms and are unaware of their ulcers, they are at risk of developing serious ulcer complications, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach.

The annual risk of serious complications is 1% to 4% with chronic treatment with NSAIDs. The risk of ulcers is higher in the elderly and individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and those also taking steroid-containing medications , and individuals with a prior history of bleeding ulcers. Taking blood thinning medications , such as warfarin , and heparin, does not cause NSAID-related ulcers, but rather they increase bleeding if NSAID-induced ulcers occur.

A prior history of ulcers is the most important predictor of NSAID-induced ulcers. Patients with heart disease who are taking aspirin for prevention of heart attacks also are at risk, and the risk of bleeding ulcers doubles if aspirin is combined with other NSAIDs.

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What Is The Proper Dosing For Nsaids

When you are trying an NSAID for the first time, take the full dose prescribed every day, unless instructed otherwise. It may take as long as two weeksto build up to a “blood level” of the drug, and the drug may not help very much until then. If you take the drug irregularly, you may never know whether it actually can help you. This could lead to your being switched to a second drug when the first one actually could have helped. Each new drug you take carries a risk of allergic reaction . Therefore, it’s important to find out if a drug can help you before switching to another.

Do not exceed the dose of the drug prescribed. The extra benefit is usually small and the increased risk is significant.

If you are taking the medicine regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. If your arthritis improves, discuss with your physician the possibility of decreasing your dose of the NSAID.

How Should I Take Aleve

Use Aleve exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Naproxen doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child’s dose.

If you use Aleve long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Aleve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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Serious Naproxen Side Effects And Symptoms

Experiencing serious side effects from Naproxen is very unusual.

However, its worth knowing what these side effects are, as well as the signs and symptoms that indicate them, just in case. If you do notice any of these signs, you may need medical attention.

Serious Naproxen side effects and their symptoms include:

• Stomach or gut ulcer: symptoms include severe indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, feeling or being sick , diarrhoea
• Serious stomach or gut problems: symptoms include vomiting blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds, blood in your poo, or black, tarry-looking poo
• Anaemia: signs include fainting, chest pain, breathlessness
• Liver problems or liver damage: signs include yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
• Kidney damage or infection: signs include blood in your urine, darker urine, passing less urine, vomiting and nausea
• Meningitis: signs include fever, feeling or being sick, a stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to bright light, confusion
• Inflammation of the pancreas: signs include fever, stomach pain, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss

You should always call your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like the above from any medication, including Naproxen.

If you feel like your symptoms are dangerous or life-threatening, call emergency services.

If you are ever in any doubt, check with a medical professional immediately.

Does Naproxen Cause Heart Problems

Yes, NAPROXEN may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke especially when used in high doses or for prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have history of heart problems or stroke before taking NAPROXEN. However, it is recommended to take NAPROXEN in dose and for duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should be not used by the patient who have had recent heart by pass surgery .

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Nervous System Side Effects

According to Drugs.com, you may experience unwanted side effects to your nervous system 1. This occurs because Aleve blocks chemical signals that are active in your nervous system. Disruption in these chemical signals may cause weakness, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance, urinating less than usual or not at all, headache, tingling, numbness, pain, neck stiffness or muscle weakness. You should immediately stop taking Aleve and call your doctor if you are experiencing these serious nervous system side effects. Upon taking Aleve, you may experience blurry vision or ringing in your ears, which are less serious side effects and should improve over time. Always let your doctor know of any side effects that you may be experiencing.

• According to Drugs.com, you may experience unwanted side effects to your nervous system 1.

What Are The Dosages Of Naproxen

Dosages of Naproxen:

Dosage Considerations Should be Given as Follows:

Adult Dosage Considerations

Pain

• 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 hours or 500 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed 1250 mg/day naproxen base on day 1, subsequent daily doses should not exceed 1000 mg naproxen base.
• Extended-release 750-1000 mg orally every day, may temporarily increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well and clinically indicated.

• 500-1000 mg/day orally divided every 12 hours, may increase to 1500 mg/day if tolerated well for a limited time.

Dysmenorrhea

• 500 mg orally initially, then 250 mg orally every 6-8 every hour or 500 mg orally every 12 hours , not to exceed 1250 mg/day on the first day, subsequently does should not exceed 1000 mg/day naproxen base.

• 750 mg orally initially, followed by 250 mg every 8 hours until attach subsides
• Extended-release 1000-1500 mg every day, followed by 1000 mg every day until the attack subsides

• 750 mg orally initially, may give additional 250-500 mg if necessary, not to exceed 1250 mg in 24 hours

Pediatric Dosage Considerations

Pain

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How Was Your Experience With Aleve

Naproxen is used to treat the following:

• pain and redness
• swelling and inflammation from conditions such as different types of arthritis and gout
• menstrual cramps
• other types of short-term pain

Over-the-counter

Naproxen is used to temporarily reduce fever, as well as treat minor aches and pains due to:

• minor pain of arthritis
• backache
• toothache

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Can Nsaids Cause Allergic Reactions

Rarely, an NSAID can cause a generalized allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. If this happens, it usually occurs soon after the person starts taking the NSAID. The symptoms of this reaction include:

• Swollen eyes, lips or tongue.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Chest pain or tightness.

If any of these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Remember, before any medication is prescribed, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to any medications, foods or other substances.
• If you currently take any other medications and/or herbal or dietary supplements.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• If you have problems taking any medications.
• If you have anemia, kidney or liver disease, stomach or peptic ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, bleeding or clotting problems, asthma or growth in the nose .

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/25/2020.

References

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Expert Q& a: Safe Oa Medications For Kidney Health

Kidney problems can complicate your osteoarthritis treatment plan.

Question: My question concerns arthritis and kidney health. I haveosteoarthritis, but I cannot take many medications because I have kidney problems. Is there any treatment I could try that would not affect my kidneys? Answer: For patients with many types of arthritis,kidney problemscan indeed complicate treatment plans. If you have diminished kidney function, you may need to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen , but there are many other options for arthritis and kidney patients. The first option is acetaminophen , which is an analgesic, not an NSAID.

Injections of hyaluronic acid compounds, which are designed to supplement a substance that gives joint fluid its viscosity, for example, may provide relief in affected joints without involving the kidneys. These products includeHyalgan,OrthoVisc,SupartzandSynvisc.

There are also topical products for arthritis that affects only one or two joints. A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. However, topicals may not work well for hip pain, because the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.

Other nonprescription topicals include:

Don Miller, PharmDProfessor, Department of Pharmacy PracticeNorth Dakota State University

Am I Taking Too Much Ibuprofen

Ive been taking about 3 Motrin before every run, for about four months know. I also was taking a little Naproxyn . Now, I am havingPain cause this if you have been taking it every day

Guidelines to Help Reduce the Side-Effects of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal

But within six days of taking the pills, Claires stomach lining was so damaged that seven months later she is still suffering from searing pain,

Could stomach pain be caused by taking ibuprofen? | Anti

pain heartburn nausea vomiting gas constipation diarrhea.

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Is Topical Diclofenac Safe For Everyone

Over the years we have written that topical NSAIDs may be safer than oral versions of ibuprofen or diclofenac. That was based in part upon an overview by the Cochrane Collaboration :

Topical NSAIDs provided good levels of pain relief in acute conditions such as sprains, strains and overuse injuries, probably similar to that provided by oral NSAIDs. Gel formulations of diclofenac , ibuprofen, and ketoprofen, and some diclofenac patches, provided the best effects. Adverse events were usually minimal.

That said, some people are extremely sensitive to NSAID toxicity. Even topical diclofenac can cause harm to these individuals. Here are some examples:

Q. Youve written about Voltaren gel for arthritis pain. I cannot use this drug, as it causes me severe stomach pain and acid reflux. I wish I could use it for my sore joints.

My aunt died from using an NSAID. It gave her an ulcer that led to infection and death.

I cant believe we can buy NSAIDs without a prescription in this country. They can kill you and are known to cause ulcers even when people are unaware of the damage until it is too late.

A. You are correct that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen , meloxicam and naproxen can cause stomach ulcers . Such complications can indeed be deadly.

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What Are Common Side Effects Of Nsaids

You may have side effects if you take large doses of NSAIDs, or if you take them for a long time. Some side effects are mild and go away, while others are more serious and need medical attention. Unless your doctor tells you to do so, dont take an over-the-counter NSAID with a prescription NSAID, multiple over-the-counter NSAIDs or more than the recommended dose of an NSAID. Doing so could increase your risk of side effects.

The side effects listed below are the most common, but there may be others. Ask your doctor if you have questions about your specific medication.

The most frequently reported side effects of NSAIDs are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:

• Gas.

• Feeling very tired and weak.

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Be Careful About Using Over

If you take OTC or prescription medicines for headaches, pain, fever, or colds, you may be taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs include popular pain relievers and cold medicines that can damage your kidneys if you take them for a long time, or lead to acute kidney injury if you take them when you are dehydrated or your blood pressure is low.

Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. NSAIDs are sold under many different brand names, so ask your pharmacist or health care provider if the medicines you take are safe to use.

You also can look for NSAIDs on Drug Facts labels like the one below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Naproxen

Is naproxen a strong painkiller?

Naproxen is the longest-lasting over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug currently available, but there are prescription anti-inflammatory medications that last longer than this medication. Naproxen isn’t necessarily stronger than other NSAIDs, but many people find it provides relief longer.

Does naproxen make you sleepy?

It might. Naproxen can cause drowsiness for between 3% and 9% of all people who take it. Because of this, you should not drive or perform activities that require you to be alert until you know how it affects you.

Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?

Naproxen and ibuprofen both belong to a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . They are similar and usually used for mild to moderate pain. However, naproxen lasts for 8 to 12 hours, while ibuprofen only lasts for 4 to 6 hours.

Is naproxen a muscle relaxer?

No, naproxen is not a muscle relaxer. Naproxen blocks proteins in your body that cause inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxers work by calming the nerves that cause muscles to tighten.

What happens if you take too much naproxen ?

Serious side effects can happen if you take too much naproxen . You can experience serious internal stomach bleeding or tears in the stomach lining. It’s also possible to experience kidney failure if you take too much of this medication.

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How Long Do Nsaids Take To Work

That depends on the NSAID and the condition being treated. Some NSAIDs may work within a few hours, while others may take a week or two.

Generally, for acute muscle injuries, we recommend NSAIDs that work quickly. However, these may need to be taken as often as every four to six hours because of their short action time.

For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that need long-term treatment, doctors usually recommend NSAIDs that are taken only once or twice a day. However, it generally takes longer for these drugs to have a therapeutic effect.

What Are The Most Common Naproxen Side Effects

The most common side effects of naproxen are related to stomach irritation, for instance a stomach ache, feeling sick, heartburn or indigestion, but these problems can mainly be avoided by taking the naproxen with food or a drink of milk. Naproxen might also cause constipation, diarrhoea or wind.

As with most medicines, naproxen side effects are more likely with higher doses and if you take the medicine for long periods of time, so if you take the occasional non-prescription dose for period pain you are much less likely to have side effects than if you are prescribed a regular high dose to help with your arthritis.

What this means is that you should always use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time to relieve your pain.

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What Do They Treat

In general aspirin and Aleve have similar uses such as relieving pain and reducing fevers. Unlike Aleve, aspirin may prevent second heart attacks and strokes. Some formulas of aspirin, such as Bayer Advanced Aspirin work in as little as 16 minutes.

Because Aleve lasts longer, it may be a better choice for people with chronic pain. More doctors prescribe non-aspirin NSAIDs such as Aleve for different types of arthritis. It lasts longer, but it takes longer to start working. So its not a good choice for quick pain relief.

Aspirin and Aleve uses include:

• Headache
• Pain and fever of colds
• Toothache

What Are The Complications Of Analgesic Nephropathy

Some cases of acute kidney failure have been linked to the use of painkillers, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Many of these people had risk factors, such as:

• Lupus
• Chronic kidney conditions
• Recent binge-drinking alcohol

Talk with your healthcare provider for more information about diagnosis and treatment of analgesic nephropathy and kidney failure.

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The Need To Monitor Kidney Function With Certain Drugs

Experts have suggested that after the initial assessment of kidney function, physicians should consider regular monitoring after starting or increasing the dosage of drugs associated with nephrotoxicity, especially those used chronically in patients with multiple risk factors for impaired kidney function, Dr. Naughton noted. If there is any sign of kidney harm, the provider should review the medications you are taking in order to identify which one is causing the problem.

If multiple medications are present and the patient is clinically stable, physicians should start by discontinuing the drug most recently added to the patients medication regimen. Once that has been taken care of, further harm to the kidneys may be minimized by keeping blood pressure stable, staying hydrated, and temporarily avoiding the use of other medications that may cause nephrotoxicity.

These safety tips can ensure you get the care you need while keeping your kidneys safe. That way, they can tend to essential functions like keeping things flowing .Originally published May 11, 2017