Anaprox and Naprelan are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps. They are also prescribed for relief of the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and for ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis), tendinitis, bursitis, acute gout, and other conditions. Anaprox also may be prescribed for juvenile arthritis. The over-the-counter form of naproxen sodium, Aleve, is used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains, and to reduce fever.
		You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Anaprox regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.
		Your doctor may ask you to take Anaprox with food or an antacid to avoid stomach upset. Take Aleve with a full glass of water. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are using Anaprox for arthritis, it should be taken regularly. * If you miss a dose... Anaprox: Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Naprelan: Take the forgotten dose only if you remember within 2 hours after the appointed time. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. * Storage instructions... Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
		Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Anaprox. More common side effects of Anaprox may include: Abdominal pain, bruising, constipation, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, hearing disturbances, heartburn, indigestion, inflammation of the mouth, itching, light-headedness, nausea, rapid, fluttery heartbeat, red or purple spots on the skin, ringing in the ears, skin eruptions, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention, thirst, vertigo, vision changes Less common or rare side effects of Anaprox may include: Abdominal bleeding, black stools, blood in the urine, change in dream patterns, chills and fever, colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), congestive heart failure, depression, general feeling of illness, hair loss, inability to concentrate, inability to sleep, inflammation of the lungs, kidney disease or failure, menstrual problems, muscle weakness and/or pain, peptic ulcer, severe allergic reactions, skin inflammation due to sensitivity to light, skin rashes, vomiting, vomiting blood, yellow skin and eyes Naprelan shares some of the above side effects, but also has some of its own: More common side effects of Naprelan may include: Back pain, flu symptoms, infection, nasal inflammation, sinus inflammation, sore throat, urinary infection Less common side effects of Naprelan may include: Accidental injury, anemia, bronchitis, chest pain, cough increased, difficulty swallowing, fever, gas, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, joint pain, joint/tendon problems, leg cramps, ""pins and needles" or tingling, stomach inflammation, weakness Rare side effects of Naprelan may include: Abscesses, amnesia, angina pectoris (severe chest pain), anxiety, belching, blood disorders, bone disorders, bursitis, certain cancers, confusion, digestive tract inflammation, emotional changeability, enlarged abdomen, eye or ear problems, fainting, gallstones, heart and blood vessel disorders, kidney stones, loss of appetite, migraine, nail disorders, neck pain or rigidity, nerve problems, nervousness, nosebleed, paralysis, pelvic pain, prostate problems, respiration and/or lung problems, skin disorders, stomach/intestinal/rectal hemorrhage or other disorders, tooth problems, ulcers, urinary problems, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, weight loss.
		If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Anaprox, aspirin, or similar drugs such as Motrin, if you have had asthma attacks caused by aspirin or other drugs of this type, or if you have ever retained fluid or had hives or nasal tumors, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
		Remember that peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. It can cause liver inflammation in some people. Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Anaprox, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Anaprox and Naprelan contain sodium. If you are on a low sodium diet, discuss this with your doctor. Use with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. This drug can increase water retention. It also may cause vision problems. If you experience any changes in your vision, inform your doctor. This drug makes some people drowsy or less alert. Avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness if you find that the drug has this effect on you. Do not take Aleve for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever. Contact your doctor if pain or fever persists or gets worse, if the painful area becomes red or swollen, or if you develop more than a mild digestive upset.
		If Anaprox is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Anaprox with other medications.
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