EC-Naprosyn

EC-Naprosyn is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

EC-Naprosyn is used to treat pain or inflammation from conditions like arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.

The delayed-release or extended-release tablets are slower-acting forms of naproxen that are used only for treating chronic conditions like arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These forms of naproxen will not work fast enough to treat sudden pain.

EC-Naprosyn may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that effectively treats your condition.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before measuring a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Take EC-Naprosyn with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Always follow the instructions on the medicine label for giving this medicine to a child. EC-Naprosyn doses for children are based on their weight. Your child's dose may change if they gain or lose weight.

If you use EC-Naprosyn for a long time, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using EC-Naprosyn.

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

EC-Naprosyn can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use EC-Naprosyn right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). This medicine may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

EC-Naprosyn can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

EC-Naprosyn may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly. These issues can happen suddenly while you are taking this medicine, especially in older adults.

You should not use EC-Naprosyn if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or a severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Talk to a doctor before giving EC-Naprosyn to a child younger than 12 years old.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you to use if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• fluid retention; or
• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

If you are pregnant, you should not take EC-Naprosyn unless your doctor advises you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney issues in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using EC-Naprosyn and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

EC-Naprosyn may cause serious side effects. Stop using EC-Naprosyn and call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• the first sign of any skin rash or blister, no matter how mild;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems--little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in your feet or ankles; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of EC-Naprosyn may include:

• headache;
• indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain; or
• flu symptoms;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since EC-Naprosyn is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to EC-Naprosyn (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen).

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb EC-Naprosyn.

Ask your doctor before using EC-Naprosyn if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using EC-Naprosyn with any other medications, especially:

• other NSAIDs or salicylates (diflunisal, salsalate);
• antacids and sucralfate;
• cholestyramine;
• cyclosporine;
• digoxin;
• lithium;
• methotrexate;
• pemetrexed;
• probenecid;
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or similar blood thinners;
• a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect EC-Naprosyn, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.