Oxaprozin

Oxaprozin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in adults to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Oxaprozin is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 6 years old.

Oxaprozin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take the lowest dose that effectively treats your condition.

Your dose may need to change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of oxaprozin. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Oxaprozin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

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

This medicine may cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use oxaprozin.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Oxaprozin can raise your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use oxaprozin just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Oxaprozin may also lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Oxaprozin can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Oxaprozin may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be deadly. This can happen without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not take oxaprozin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack, hives, or a severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing) after taking aspirin or another NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• congestive heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• fluid retention;
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while using this medicine.

Do not use oxaprozin during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

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

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, or feeling short of breath.

Oxaprozin may cause serious side effects. Stop using oxaprozin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any skin rash, no matter how mild, or a patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight;
• flu-like symptoms;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath;
• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Oxaprozin may worsen asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Common side effects of oxaprozin may include:

• nausea, upset stomach;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• rash.

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.

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose.

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

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as they can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Do not take 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 oxaprozin (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Oxaprozin could make you more likely to get sunburn. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

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

Oxaprozin can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect oxaprozin, especially:

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• medicine used to prevent blood clots--alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others; or
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect oxaprozin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.