Naproxen oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved naproxen oral tablet to treat:

• mild to moderate pain in adults
• certain types of arthritis in adults and some children
• gout flare-ups in adults
• pain related to menstruation in adults
• bursitis in adults
• tendinitis in adults

These uses differ based on the form of naproxen prescribed.

This article describes possible side effects of naproxen oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for naproxen. You can explore this overview article to learn more about naproxen, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Naproxen oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Naprosyn, Naprelan, and Anaprox DS. Naproxen also comes in a liquid solution that you’ll swallow, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.

Naproxen is also available over the counter (OTC). The brand name is Aleve. It comes in a lower strength than the prescription forms of naproxen. OTC naproxen is approved for use in adults and children ages 12 years and older. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about OTC naproxen.

Boxed warnings

Naproxen has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section below.

More common side effects of naproxen

Naproxen oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of naproxen oral tablet include:

• indigestion
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• headache
• flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and sore throat

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Mild side effects of naproxen

Naproxen oral tablet may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of naproxen oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• abdominal pain
• bloating due to fluid retention
• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and sore throat
• headache
• heartburn
• indigestion
• nausea
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• shortness of breath
• skin discoloration
• skin rash
• mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with naproxen oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies for naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

Naproxen oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

Serious side effects of naproxen

Naproxen may cause certain serious side effects, especially if the drug is taken long term. If you have any serious side effects from naproxen oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with naproxen.

Serious side effects of naproxen oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• increased risk of bleeding
• low red blood cell levels (anemia)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• heart failure
• kidney problems
• high blood potassium level (hyperkalemia)
• liver problems
• life threatening skin reactions*
• risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems*†
• risk of serious digestive problems*†
• severe allergic reaction*‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section below.
† Naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with naproxen oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies for naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

Side effects of naproxen in children

For children, doctors prescribe naproxen oral tablet and naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet to treat a type of arthritis called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older. (Keep in mind that naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet, which is also covered in this article, is not approved for use in children.)

In studies, the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:

• skin rash
• bleeding that lasts longer than usual (for example, a small cut may take longer to heal)

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet and naproxen DR oral tablet.

If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking naproxen oral tablet, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Common questions about side effects of naproxen

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of naproxen oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can naproxen 500 mg cause more side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

Maybe. In studies of naproxen, researchers didn’t compare how frequently side effects happened across the drug’s different strengths. These studies were of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet. But with many medications in general, higher doses are more likely to cause side effects than lower doses.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about your risk of side effects from taking naproxen. They can provide information based on your health history and other factors that affect your risk.

Does naproxen cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, naproxen oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with naproxen oral tablet include:

• increased risk for bleeding; this risk continues throughout treatment but goes away if you stop taking naproxen
• heart failure, which may not go away even if you stop taking naproxen
• kidney problems; your risk of this side effect increases if you take naproxen long term
• liver problems; liver failure likely won’t go away even if you stop taking naproxen
• life threatening skin reactions*
• risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems*
• risk of serious digestive problems*
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section below.

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of naproxen may last.

Coupon for naproxen

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for naproxen oral tablet, delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and extended-release (ER) oral tablet when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of naproxen in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of naproxen oral tablet.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems

Naproxen oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In studies, serious heart and blood vessel problems were rare in people taking naproxen oral tablet. These problems include heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• pain, pressure, or discomfort in your chest, which may spread to upper body areas such as the jaw or shoulder
• shortness of breath
• feeling a “sense of doom”

Symptoms of a stroke may include:

• numbness or weakness in one or both sides of the body, such as in the arms
• drooping face
• slurred speech

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen delayed-release (DR) oral tablet, and naproxen extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with naproxen oral tablet. These include:

• taking naproxen for a long time
• taking a high dosage of naproxen
• having heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol
• using naproxen within 14 days after undergoing a heart bypass surgery

Ways to manage

If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately or seek emergency medical help. If you experience a serious heart or blood vessel problem while taking the medication, your doctor will likely stop your treatment with naproxen.

Risk of serious digestive problems

Naproxen oral tablet has a boxed warning for the risk of serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

In studies, serious digestive problems were rare in people taking naproxen oral tablet. Specific digestive problems reported with naproxen include:

• ulcers in the stomach or intestines
• bleeding in the stomach or intestines
• holes (perforations) in the stomach or intestines

Symptoms of these digestive problems include:

• blood in your stool or vomit
• a burning pain or cramp in your abdomen
• feeling bloated or full

These side effects were reported in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious digestive problems with naproxen oral tablet. These include:

• taking naproxen for a long time, especially if you take a higher dosage
• taking other drugs that can cause similar side effects, including other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• consuming alcohol or tobacco (if applicable) while taking naproxen
• being age 65 years or above
• having a liver condition, such as liver cirrhosis
• having an existing bleeding problem, such as hemophilia

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of serious digestive problems, stop taking naproxen and tell your doctor immediately. They’ll likely recommend making an in-person appointment so they can evaluate your symptoms. From there, your doctor can decide the best treatment option for you. Your doctor will also decide whether it’s safe for you to continue taking naproxen.

Life threatening skin reactions

In rare cases, naproxen may cause life threatening skin reactions. But it’s important to note that these weren’t seen during studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet. There have been reports of this side effect in people taking naproxen oral tablet. But it’s unclear how often this has happened or if naproxen was the cause. However, these life threatening skin reactions are a known side effect of NSAIDs. (Naproxen is an NSAID.) These reactions are serious and require emergent medical treatment.

The serious skin reactions reported with naproxen and other NSAIDs are Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

With SJS, you may experience a blistering skin rash that can be painful. It usually begins on the face or chest. Other symptoms may include eye redness, fever, cough, or muscle aches.

With TEN, you have a skin rash with severe skin blistering and peeling, which may also affect the mouth, throat, or eyes. You may also have difficulty swallowing and a sore throat. Other symptoms of TEN may include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and muscle aches.

Ways to manage

If you think you’re having symptoms of the skin reactions described above, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.

If you develop a life threatening skin reaction from taking naproxen, your doctor will have you stop taking the medication.

Allergic reaction

For some people, naproxen oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of naproxen oral tablet, naproxen DR oral tablet, and naproxen ER oral tablet.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to naproxen oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for naproxen

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking naproxen oral tablet.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take naproxen oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether naproxen oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking naproxen oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• asthma
• heart attack or stroke in the past
• heart condition, such as heart failure
• kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
• liver condition, such as liver cirrhosis
• past allergic reaction to naproxen

Naproxen and pregnancy

Naproxen generally should not be taken after week 20 of pregnancy, except in special circumstances. Naproxen should not be taken after week 30 of pregnancy due to the risk of harming the fetus.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with naproxen.

Naproxen and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether naproxen oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Naproxen and alcohol

Naproxen oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.

Consuming alcohol while taking naproxen raises your risk of serious digestive problems as a side effect. Naproxen oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of serious digestive problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effects of naproxen in detail” section above.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about avoiding alcohol while taking naproxen oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of naproxen oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does naproxen have the same side effects as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
• Does my health history raise my risk of heart attack or stroke from taking naproxen?
• Are the side effects of prescription naproxen the same as over-the-counter naproxen?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects from taking naproxen due to other medications I take?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.