People need to be aware of this possible issue if they take the medication
People who take one of the UK’s most common prescription painkillers should be aware that there is one rare side effect that can make their stomach feel like it is on fire.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the same family of drugs that ibuprofen and aspirin fall into. It reduces swelling, inflammation and pain in joints and muscles.
People may be prescribed this drug, in tablet r liquid form, to help treat issues like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and period pain. It is also an effective medicine for those suffering from certain muscle and bone disorders, such as back pain, sprains and strains.
It varies how long people may need to take this medication for, as some may only need a few days ‘ worth whilst some conditions require longer prescriptions. If you need to take naproxen longer than a few days, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to protect you from side effects.
The NHS website states: “Your dose of naproxen depends on the reason why you’re taking it, your age, how well your liver and kidneys work, and how well it helps your symptoms. Doses are usually lower for older people and people with heart, liver or kidney problems. For children, the doctor will use your child’s weight to work out the right dose.”
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Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The more common issues, which tend to affect around 1 in every 100 people, include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in vision
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Feeling dizzy
- Rashes
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away. In rare cases, people might experience “severe indigestion, heartburn and pains in your stomach” which could be signs of an ulcer or swelling (inflammation).
The NHS website claims: “Your doctor may tell you not to take naproxen if you have a stomach ulcer or you have had one in the past. If you need to take naproxen but are at risk of getting a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to take alongside naproxen to protect your stomach.
“The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the stomach. But stomach ulcers are not always painful and some people may have other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and feeling sick.”
If you think you may have symptoms of a stomach ulcer, stop taking naproxen and contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.