Naprosyn, Ec-naprosyn

Written by Dylan Kakos, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD  
Updated on June 29, 2023

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

• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• tendinitis
• bursitis
• gout flare-ups
• pain, including menstrual (period) pain

These approved uses differ based on the form of naproxen your doctor prescribes.

This article describes naproxen’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find coupon options to help save on the cost of naproxen.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of naproxen. To find coupons for naproxen extended-release oral tablet, see this article.

Boxed warnings

Naproxen has boxed warnings about the risks of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for naproxen” section.

Naproxen may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of naproxen and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about naproxen’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for naproxen listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of naproxen are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of naproxen you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about naproxen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for naproxen listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Naproxen oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• headache
• upset stomach
• nausea
• skin rash
• mild allergic reaction*

Naproxen delayed-release (DR)† oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• nausea
• headache
• skin rash
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for naproxen” section.

† “DR” means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of naproxen are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of naproxen you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about naproxen’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for naproxen listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, naproxen’s serious side effects include:

• liver damage
• edema (swelling due to fluid buildup, often in the feet, ankles, and legs)
• serious skin reactions and rashes
• kidney damage
• boxed warnings: risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems*
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for naproxen” section.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as naproxen for certain conditions. Approved uses for naproxen are described below. These uses differ based on the form of naproxen prescribed.

Use for pain

Doctors may prescribe naproxen oral tablet, extended-release (ER)* oral tablet, or oral liquid suspension† for treating mild to moderate pain. This includes menstrual (period) pain.

Naproxen is typically prescribed for this purpose in people ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

* “ER” (also called “controlled release”) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

† A suspension is a type of liquid mixture.

Use for symptoms related to inflammatory conditions

Doctors may prescribe naproxen for treating symptoms of certain conditions that involve inflammation (swelling and damage).

Specifically, all forms of naproxen (the oral liquid suspension, oral tablet, ER oral tablet, and delayed-release [DR]† oral tablet) are approved to treat:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis

Naproxen oral liquid suspension, oral tablet, and ER oral tablet are approved to treat:

• bursitis
• tendinitis
• acute (short-term) flare-ups of gout

The above conditions can cause pain, swelling, joint stiffness, trouble moving the affected area, and other symptoms. Naproxen is typically prescribed for these conditions in people 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

* “DR” means the drug is released into your body after it passes through your stomach.

Use for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Doctors may prescribe naproxen oral liquid suspension, oral tablet, or DR oral tablet for treating symptoms of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This is a type of arthritis in children. It can cause pain, joint stiffness and tenderness, fatigue (lack of energy), and other symptoms.

Naproxen is prescribed for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about naproxen.

Is naproxen similar to ibuprofen?

Yes, naproxen and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are similar medications. Both naproxen and ibuprofen belong to the same group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work similarly in the body and have many of the same approved uses and side effects.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the similarities between naproxen and ibuprofen.

What brand names are available for naproxen?

Naproxen is available as the following brand-name drugs: Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, and Anaprox DS.

A generic medication has the same active ingredient as the brand-name medication. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are considered to be as safe and effective as the brand-name version.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide details about brand-name forms of naproxen.

How does naproxen work? And how long does it take to start working?

Naproxen’s three main effects are reducing pain, inflammation (swelling and damage), and fever (which may be caused by inflammation). It does this by blocking enzymes (certain proteins) that help your body release substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and pain. By reducing prostaglandins, naproxen can help reduce pain, inflammation, fever, and related symptoms.

Naproxen typically takes 30–60 minutes to start working. Its effects can last for up to 12 hours.

If you’d like to know more about how naproxen works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below, you’ll find information about naproxen’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of naproxen

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol* or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take naproxen, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for naproxen” section just below.

* It’s recommended that you do not consume alcohol while taking naproxen. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor if you have concerns about avoiding alcohol while taking naproxen.

Warnings for naproxen

Some people should not take naproxen, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warnings

Naproxen has boxed warnings about the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and serious digestive problems. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Naproxen may increase your risk of heart and blood vessel problems, such as blood clots, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. This side effect was rarely reported in studies* of naproxen. The studies showed that as naproxen doses increased, the risk of heart attack and stroke also increased.

Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke may include:

• chest pain
• dizziness
• weakness in your face or arm on one side of your body
• trouble speaking
• confusion
• trouble with balance

If you feel like you might be having symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 (or your local emergency number) and seek emergency care right away.

Risk of serious digestive problems. Naproxen may increase your risk of serious digestive problems. These include inflammation (swelling and damage), bleeding, and ulcers (sores in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine).

Serious digestive problems from naproxen can be life threatening if not treated. This side effect was rarely reported in studies* of naproxen.

Your risk of digestive side effects may be higher if you:

• have a history of digestive ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• drink alcohol
• take corticosteroids
• take blood thinners
• are 65 years or older
• have serious liver damage

Symptoms of serious digestive problems may include black or tarry stool,  bright red blood in vomit,  abdominal cramps and pain, and heartburn.

If you experience digestive problems while taking naproxen, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely recommend strategies such as lowering your dose, modifying how long you take naproxen, or stopping naproxen. But if you feel like you might be having serious digestive problems while taking naproxen, call 911 (or your local emergency number) and seek emergency care right away.   

* For information about studies of naproxen, refer to the prescribing information listed in the “Article resources” section.

Other warnings

Naproxen could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether naproxen is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for naproxen, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Naproxen can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to naproxen or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe naproxen. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to naproxen, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of naproxen

You should not take more naproxen than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much naproxen, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and naproxen

Information about naproxen and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Naproxen and pregnancy

Naproxen should not be taken after week 30 of pregnancy due to the risk of harming the fetus.

During weeks 20–30 of pregnancy, naproxen use should be limited. There are risks to taking naproxen during weeks 20–30 of pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged pain or inflammatory conditions (related to swelling and damage) while pregnant. (Keep in mind that naproxen is prescribed for treating pain and inflammation.)

It’s not known whether naproxen should be taken before week 20 of pregnancy.

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 should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

This article describes naproxen’s uses, side effects, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about naproxen or would like more details about it.

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

• If I drink alcohol, why is it important not to drink it while taking naproxen?
• What is the maximum dose of naproxen I can take per day?
• How can I reduce my risk of digestive side effects with naproxen?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Naproxen — naproxen suspension. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fd5e8d84-f92c-4f4b-ab0d-4cda7cf826bd/spl-doc
• Naproxen — naproxen tablet. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a7f0801c-96de-4d28-b221-627372f2bebd/spl-doc
• Naproxen — naproxen tablet, delayed release. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5d39e393-512a-49a4-8d28-139b881d628e/spl-doc
• Naproxen sodium — naproxen sodium tablet, film coated, extended release. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9225acaa-209f-958b-2c51-9a46995dec33/spl-doc

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.