EC-Naprosyn

EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets for a long time. Do not use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets right before or after bypass heart surgery.

EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.

EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets is used for:

Treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

Use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets refilled.

* Take EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach upset.

* Swallow EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

* Take EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.

* If you take antacids or cholestyramine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets.

* If you miss a dose of EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets.

* EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.

* Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

* EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets has naproxen in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has naproxen or any other NSAID in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Do not take aspirin while you are using EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets unless your doctor tells you to.

* Do not switch between different forms of EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets (eg, tablets, suspension) unless your doctor tells you to. They may not provide the same amount of medicine to your body.

* EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know that you take EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets.

* Lab tests, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Use EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.

* EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets while you are pregnant. EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets should not be used during labor. EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets.

Store EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep EC-Naprosyn Enteric-Coated Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.