Naproxen

Naproxen is a painkiller that is used to treat pain affecting the joints, bones, muscles and connective tissues as well as long-term conditions like arthritis.

Naproxen is prescribed alongside Omeprazole, a combination designed to target painful symptoms whilst keeping stomach acidity levels down. This means it is often prescribed for those who have moderate pain that lower-dose painkillers don't touch, and for those more at risk of developing gastric complications.

Naproxen is available to purchase here at OnlineClinic alongside Omeprazole for musculoskeletal pain. They will be prescribed together but you will receive your medication in separate boxes. If you are already taking Omeprazole, another Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) or H2-receptor antagonist medication (such as Cimetidine), you will only be prescribed Naproxen.

Naproxen belongs to a class of medications called NSAIDs alongside ibuprofen and diclofenac. These medications are designed to treat inflammation and pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, a type of lipid that are produced at the site of tissue damage or infection. By blocking prostaglandin production, the uncomfortable sensations of pain and inflammation are reduced.

However, prostaglandins are also responsible for the production of gastric mucus (which forms a barrier that protects the stomach lining) as well as substances that neutralise stomach acid. This means that NSAIDs over time increase acidity levels in the stomach whilst leaving the stomach lining more susceptible to damage.

This is why it is prescribed alongside Omeprazole, a PPI which works to prevent cells in the stomach lining (proton pumps) from producing stomach acid. These medications are usually used to treat acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) as they reduce excess acidity levels in the stomach after eating. That means when taken alongside Naproxen, it limits the negative effects of the NSAIDs and protects your stomach.

Naproxen and Esomeprazole (another PPI medication) also exist as a 2-in-1 combined tablet, sold under the brand name Vimovo, which works exactly the same as taking the two tablets separately.

Taking a combination of Naproxen and Omeprazole efficiently treats long-term musculoskeletal pain and inflammation while reducing the risk of gastric complications.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication.

You will be prescribed 250 mg Naproxen tablets, which must be taken with Omeprazole or your current PPI or H2-receptor antagonist at the dose prescribed by your regular doctor.

You should take the tablets in the following dosages:

• take an initial dose of two 250 mg Naproxen tablets once a day, alongside one 20 mg Omeprazole tablet in the morning
• continue to take one 250 mg Naproxen tablet every 6-8 hours as needed, alongside one 20 mg Omeprazole tablet in the morning

Most people will take Naproxen 2 or 3 times a day for up to 4 weeks at a time.

You should take Omeprazole tablets 30 minutes before food, as food can reduce the protective effects of the PPI on your stomach. Naproxen should be taken after food so the stomach is not digesting it alone. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, do not crush or split tablets.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you take more Naproxen and/or Omeprazole than you should, consult a healthcare professional straight away.

As with all prescription medications, Naproxen can cause some side effects. Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• headaches
• feeling tired
• feeling thirsty
• feeling depressed
• increased sweating
• rashes and itchy skin
• vertigo (spinning feeling)
• bruising
• feeling sick and/or vomiting
• heart palpitations
• insomnia
• ringing in your ears
• dizziness and/or feeling light-headed
• diarrhoea, stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion, constipation and flatulence

If you experience any of the following severe side effects, please stop taking Naproxen and seek immediate medical attention:

• sudden wheezing, fainting, difficulties swallowing and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or body - could indicate an allergic reaction
• reddening, blistering or peeling of the skin
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine and tiredness - could indicate liver problems
• throwing up blood, or dark vomit that looks like coffee granules
• dark or sticky bowel movements or blood in stools

Whilst the incidence is low, Naproxen has been found to cause a slight increase in the risk of a myocardial infarction (heart attack). If you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath, muscle weakness or numbness then seek urgent medical attention.

For a comprehensive list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet that will be provided with your medication and is available to download on this page.

There are certain people who cannot take this medication, as they may be more likely to experience side effects. Do not take Naproxen if you:

• are allergic to Naproxen or any other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
• are allergic or sensitive to any of the other ingredients
• are pregnant
• have severe liver, kidney or heart problems
• have a bleeding disorder or serious, unexpected bleeding

Others may need to take caution and speak to their doctor before taking Naproxen including those who:

• have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• have any other liver or kidney problems
• are over 65 years of age

If you are not sure whether you fall under any of these groups, you should speak to your GP or a healthcare professional before taking this medication.

You should always disclose whether you are taking any other medication to your prescriber, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines. This is because Naproxen can alter the way other medications work.

You should speak to your doctor before if you take any of the following:

• aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) - used as a painkiller or to thin the blood
• other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
• blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) like warfarin, apixaban and clopidogrel
• certain antifungals such as ketoconazole
• certain antibiotics including indapamide and ciprofloxacin
• diazepam - used to treat anxiety or epilepsy
• certain anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin
• methotrexate - used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and cancer
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - used to treat mental health disorders
• ciclosporin or tacrolimus - suppress the immune systems (i.e prevent organ rejection after a transplant)
• certain diabetes medications
• certain medications for high blood pressure
• digoxin - for heart disorders
• corticosteroids for inflammation such as hydrocortisone and prednisolone
• rifampicin - to treat tuberculosis
• St John’s Wort - herbal medicine for mild depression
• probenecid- to treat gout
• zidovudine - to treat HIV and AIDS

For a full list of drug interactions, please refer to the patient information leaflet. If you are not sure whether you take any of these medications, please consult your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Naproxen can be purchased online here alongside Omeprazole at OnlineClinic. Please note, you will not be prescribed Omeprazole if you are already taking Omeprazole or something similar. All you have to do is fill out a short, online consultation form with your medical details so one of our registered doctors can assess whether this medication is suitable for you. If you are suitable for treatment, our pharmacy will dispense and dispatch the medication with free next-day delivery.