Aleve is a brand name, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available over-the-counter. Aleve is used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Aleve temporarily relieves minor aches and pains that occur with headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscular aches, and minor arthritis pain.
Aleve comes in tablets, caplets, gelcaps, liquid gels, or capsules. Each Aleve contains 200 mg naproxen and 20 mg sodium. The sodium helps the body absorb Aleve more quickly.
Aleve (naproxen) is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Aleve is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or menstrual cramps.
Aleve may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
bloating
constipation
diarrhea
drowsiness
headache
heartburn
lightheadedness
nausea
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
ringing or buzzing in the ears
swelling of the feet or lower legs
vision changes
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
black stools
severe stomach pain
symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Aleve can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Aleve. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Aleve can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Aleve. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Aleve (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Aleve. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Aleve. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Naproxen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result.
Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor). Taking any of these drugs with Aleve may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix);
steroids (prednisone and others);
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine ), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; or
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Aleve. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.
Allergic reactions: This medication should not be given to people who have had a reaction to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) that included a runny nose, itchy skin rash, nasal polyps, or shortness of breath and wheezing. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; wheezing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat), get immediate medical attention. People with a history of asthma, runny nose not caused by the common cold, or nasal polyps should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood clotting: This medication may reduce the ability of the blood to clot for some people. People who are taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: As with other NSAIDs, naproxen sodium can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness and concentration until you determine the effect this medication has on you.
Heart failure and high blood pressure: NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium can cause fluid retention and edema (swelling). This can lead to high blood pressure or worsening of heart failure. People with heart failure or high blood pressure should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines: NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding from the stomach. People who have ulcers in the stomach or intestines that are bleeding, or those with an inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) should not take this medication. People with a history of these conditions should discuss with their doctor or pharmacist how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as black, tarry stools or stomach pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: You must not use Aleve during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
Breast-feeding: Naproxen appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If naproxen is essential to your health, you must discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with naproxen is finished.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors appear to have a higher risk of side effects. They should use the lowest effective dosage under close medical supervision. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about all available treatment options that may be right for you.
Directions state that you should take one Aleve every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you can take 2 Aleve within the first hour. You should not exceed 2 Aleve in any 8 to 12-hour period and should not exceed 3 Aleve in any 24-hour period.
Take one tablet, caplet, gelcap, or capsule every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you may take 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps, or capsules within the first hour.
Do not exceed 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or capsules in any 8- to 12-hour period and do not exceed 3 tablets, caplets, gelcaps, or capsules in a 24-hour period. The smallest effective dose should be used. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
Do not take longer than 10 consecutive days for pain or 3 days for fever, unless directed by a doctor.
Do not give this product to children under age 12, except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Do not take longer than 10 consecutive days for pain or 3 days for fever, unless directed by a doctor.
ALEVE is simpler to use than other common, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers because just two ALEVE provide relief that can last all day. Compare it! Based on minimum label dosing for 24 hours, you could take eight Extra Strength Tylenol® or four Advil® to get the same all-day relief as just two ALEVE. ALEVE is available without a prescription, so it's easy to get relief that lasts all day, without the necessity of seeing a doctor.
ALEVE works by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a direct role in pain.
ALEVE belongs to a class of drugs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, (NSAIDs), which work at the site of pain. The active ingredient in ALEVE has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits when used at prescription dosages, under the supervision of a physician. If you think you may have inflammation due to an injury or condition, see your doctor.
Aleve is an item designed to deal with the problem of joint discomfort and inflammation triggered by arthritis. It offers relief from joint discomfort by taking only two tablets, that is said to carry results that can last for 24 hours.
The arthritis discomfort reliever contains Naproxen as its primary ingredient. This is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) utilized for relieving arthritis symptoms. The drug can also be utilized to reduce discomfort triggered by circumstances like gout, menstrual cramps, sprains, bursitis, and tendonitis.
ALEVE is used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or athletic injuries. Some NSAIDs are also used to reduce fever.
Because of the effectiveness of Aleve ingredients, the drug has been used to treat several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and gout. However, it should be noted that Aleve ingredients do not cure these conditions, but only help to relive the pain and discomfort that results. As part of the Aleve ingredients, naproxen is also effective for relieving of pain during menstrual cramps. In addition, it is also combined with other medications is several cold allergy and flu products. This will help to relieve common cold symptoms such as fever, aches and pains.
Aleve is a medicine which is used to kill the pain in our human body which occurs due to some problems origins in our body. And the causes for the pain may vary and it can in different parts of our body but to cure it temporarily this Aleve is used. These pains include head ache, back pain, muscle pain, dental aches were also been cured by the single medicine called as Aleve. Aleve is the medicine which is in the form of tablets. When we see the ingredients of the Aleve it contains only the ingredient called as Naproxen.
Naproxen sodium, constituting the active Aleve ingredients, has been proven to be beneficial for pain relief following a medical procedure. It is also widely used to relieve pain when a muscle is strained, or because of inflammation in a tendon (tendonitis) or bursitis. Aleve has also been used to treat general pain, including lower back pain, neck pain or knee pain as a result of the Aleve ingredients. As mentioned before, naproxen fights against prostaglandis by blocking the effects of the hormone. This is done by reducing the pain related to bone, muscle or tendon injury or inflammation, as well as alleviating joint swelling that is associated with the different forms of arthritis.
Aleve is a brand name of naproxen sodium, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which can have certain advantages for some patients and situations. Like all medications, however, this drug comes with some precautions which must be observed to ensure that it is used effectively and appropriately. For patients with certain conditions and patients on some medications, the use of naproxen sodium is contraindicated and could in fact be dangerous. A doctor can provide specific advice and recommendations about dosages, frequency, and duration of use after going over a patient's history and medications list to confirm that naproxen sodium is safe to use.
This drug (naproxen sodium) was initially released in prescription form in the 1970s, and in some regions of the world, it continues to be available by prescription only. In other regions, a weaker over the counter version is available to patients who want more pain relief options, while a prescription-strength version can be ordered by a doctor. This drug is commonly recommended for issues such as menstrual pains, aches, muscle strains, and so forth. It can be a useful item to keep in the medicine cabinet.
The active ingredient in naproxen sodium is the naproxen, which blocks the actions of certain enzymes in the body to bring down inflammation. This in turn reduces pain levels. The sodium in the medication helps the body absorb the naproxen more quickly so that the drug will take effect rapidly.
One of the advantages of naproxen sodium is rapid action, along with long-lasting relief. For patients with pain which can be managed by naproxen sodium, the drug lasts for hours and the pain relief remains very consistent. This drug has also been shown to be useful in post-operative pain management. Patients who are given a dose of the drug before surgery experience less inflammation and pain after surgery, which keeps them more comfortable and can speed the healing time from surgery.
There are some precautions for naproxen sodium. It has been linked with adverse cardiovascular events, including clots and strokes, which make it inadvisable for patients with a history of cardiovascular problems. It has also been linked with liver disease, making it important to avoid overdosing, and it can contribute to gastrointestinal problems including ulcers. Before this drug is used, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to confirm that it is safe.
Some names under which naproxen sodium is sold include Aleve®.
Aleve ingredients are classified as either active or inactive. One of the active ingredients is naproxen sodium, which is found in the 220 mg pill doses of the drug. Most of the things that Aleve does are done by this ingredient. Arthritis patients typically experience pain that is caused by a chemical called prostaglandis, which is responsible for the inflammations, pain and fever that is experienced throughout the body. This is where active Aleve ingredients come in, specifically naproxen sodium. It fights the prostaglandis by restricting the production of the enzymes that give rise to the chemical. This way, the symptoms are relieved, making Aleve one of the most effective drugs available.
The inactive Aleve ingredients include magnesium, stearate, talc, titanium dioxide as well as polyethylene glycol. The inactive ingredients do not serve the intended purpose that Aleve is meant for, but they preserve the drug and play other secondary purposes. As such, they are not necessarily meant to heal, but instead, they offer the body nutrients.
NO. ALEVE does not contain aspirin. ALEVE should not be taken with aspirin, aspirin-containing products or any other pain reliever/fever reducer, unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.
Naproxen sodium may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.
We do not add any gluten to our products. However, we cannot guarantee that they are 100% gluten free as this product is produced in a facility that manufactures or packages other items which may contain gluten.
NO. ALEVE does not contain ibuprofen. ALEVE should not be taken with ibuprofen or any other pain reliever, unless your doctor has instructed you to do so. Do not take ALEVE if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer.
NO. ALEVE does not contain acetaminophen. ALEVE should not be taken with acetaminophen or any other pain reliever unless your doctor has instructed you to do so. Do not take ALEVE if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer.
Each ALEVE tablet, caplet, and gelcap contains 20 mg of sodium to speed up pain relief, and is classified as “low sodium” under FDA guidelines. The active ingredient in ALEVE (the ingredient in Naprosyn) is combined with sodium to make it easier for the body to absorb. Easier absorption makes ALEVE a faster-acting form than naproxen alone, so pain relief can occur more quickly.
NO. Unlike some other over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, ALEVE does not contain caffeine.
These user reviews are from WebMD's homepage among other big internet sites.
Condition: Pain, 12/2/2011 4:38:44 PM
Reviewer: jeane, 45-54 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)
Comment: I have consistent pain in shoulders & back. It works better than prescription drugs (No dizziness). I take it pretty regularly.
Review by Wolfe Island, Canada:
Aleve (naproxen) for Pain: We find Aleve most helpful with aches and pains.
Condition: Pain, 8/5/2011 2:55:54 PM
Reviewer: 1sickpuppy, 55-64 Male on Treatment for 10 years or more (Patient)
Comment: I have chronic back pain, the first time i took Aleve it made me sick. I tried it again a few days later, and it took my pain away very fast, i have tried other pain meds., even Pain management from doctors, and it works great for me. I have opiate based pain relievers as well, but i don't like to take them all the time.
Condition: Pain, 4/10/2011 5:04:20 PM
Reviewer: cbar, 35-44 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: Within 20 minutes my eyes started flickering and light became brighter. I felt uneasy and tired. Scared me bad. I will never take it again. Advil works with no side effects.
Review by bad_gout: User Rating: 9.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Gout, Acute: At the first sign of Gout I pop two Aleve Liquid Gels. Usually is enough to kill it. I'll sometimes chase it with tylenol arthritis if I wake up in the morning with a full blown attack. Good partial fix if you can't get to the doctor for prednisone or any other gout medication.
Condition: Pain, 2/4/2011 1:13:33 AM
Reviewer: doughco, 65-74 Male on Treatment for 10 years or more (Patient)
Comment: Long ago, my feet became painful; bad enough to often make walking almost impossible. Tried other OTC pain meds with no real results, then Aleve took the pain away within 30 minutes. Have been taking 2/day for 20 years and, after a recent hospital stay without it, was in worse foot pain than ever. When I took my normal dosage, the pain was again gone in less than a half-hour.
Condition: Pain, 12/2/2010 6:24:56 PM
Reviewer: 75 or over Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)
Comment: I think that it gives me a loose bowl.
Review by Poor Rickey: User Rating: 9.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Tendonitis: The most effective over-the-counter drug to reduce the effects of tendonitis.
Condition: Pain, 10/5/2010 9:35:53 AM
Reviewer: 35-44 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: Facial paralysis followed taking
Condition: Pain, 8/20/2010 11:05:44 PM
Reviewer: cpebach6, 55-64 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month
Comment: took two at 6:30 am, no pain in 14 hours. No side effects, yet. So liberating, to move about with no pain associated with severe scoliosis.
Review by freebiedee: User Rating: 8.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Osteoarthritis: I take one Aleve in the morning, one at night and can't believe the relief I've experienced from painful, arthritic knees.
Condition: Pain, 6/9/2010 8:56:05 PM
Reviewer: ?, 65-74 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: Used it to stop back pain in lower back and it did nothing.
Review by john0: User Rating: 7.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Muscle Pain: It works great but gave me severe stomach cramps, pain, and general gastrointestinal distress.
Condition: Pain, 3/25/2009 3:26:12 PM
Reviewer: Dallas, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)
Comment: I love the pain relief taking Aleve has given me concerning osteoathritis, but I developed a bleeding ulcer. I am wondering if there is a coated form that is easier on the stomach.
Review by sholbrook: User Rating: 9.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Headache: Very few (one, normally) will cure any headache I have had.
Review by Anonymous: User Rating: 10
Aleve (naproxen) for Back Pain: I love Aleve! It makes all my lower back pain disappear, I feel like a new person.
Condition: Pain, 2/9/2009 1:57:08 PM
Reviewer: Sandy, 45-54 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: I took two Aleve at work one day and within 10-15 minutes my eyes started burning, my face and lips swelled up. I broke out in hives all over my body. (I have had the hives before, but never this severely.) One of my co-workers went to get me some Benadryl, but before she could return, I started wheezing and began having trouble breathing. I became very dizzy and my blood pressure dropped drastically. My tongue and throat swelled up and I was unable to communicate at all. An ambulance was called and I was rushed to the hospital. After being injected with an Epie Pen, given Benadryl and a steriod, my symptoms disappeared (about 5 hours later). I have never had any problems with aspirin or any other pain reliever.
Review by Lansingite: User Rating: 9.0
Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica: A surgeon recommended that I have a procedure to deal with the effects of several ruptured disks in my lower back. I prefer to put off the surgery for as long as I can, and use Aleve on an almost daily basis. It works just fine for me, and I only have an incident about every 1.5 years, and usually because I overdo the yard work. When it gets very bad, I supplement with an anti spasmodic drug for a few days.
Condition: Pain, 10/6/2008 10:13:56 PM
Reviewer: 65-74 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: This medication has long lasting effects for me. I have pain in my neck. I think its Arthritis.
Condition: Pain, 12/16/2007 6:17:17 PM
Reviewer: 55-64 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)
Comment: I have diabetic periferial neuropathy and am in cronic pain every waking moment even though I am taking tramadol and gabapentin. I took my first 2 Aleve at supper and woke the next morning 90% pain-free. Two Aleve at breakfast and 2 at supper keeps me virtually pain-free from head to toe. ...
Review by davidranigahotmail.com:
Aleve (naproxen) for Ankylosing Spondylitis: I suffer from severe form of Ankylosing Spondylitis. My spine is totally fused. I have had all kinds of drugs to control the pain. Recently the pain had reached my neck, it was unbearable. I took so many different kinds of pain killers all prescribed by the doctors and none worked. Until my daughter gave me ALEVE to try and for the first time in my life I want to be a spokesman for your company.
Condition: Pain, 9/30/2007 12:53:15 PM
Reviewer: thabudmann, 35-44 Male on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)
Comment: I have lower back pain from time to time and this is the best thing that I found that helps me through those times.
Review by marannye: User Rating: 10
Aleve (naproxen) for Back Pain: Best medicine I ever took for back pain.
Review by jadou: User Rating: 10
Aleve (naproxen) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: I have been using Aleve for about 6 months. This medicine helps relieve all my aches and pains. I'm 68 and working in food industry. Although I experience severe body and joint pains on a daily basis I take one Aleve on the days I work and can put in 4 to 6 hours pain free. I have not suffered any side effects so far. So far none of the other medicines I have tried have been as effective as Aleve.