Usual dose:

The recommended dose of NESINA is 25 mg once a day. Swallow your tablet(s) whole with water. You can take this medicine with or without food.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Your doctor may prescribe NESINA together with another medicine to control your blood sugar levels.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to change the amount of other medicines you take.

If you have kidney disease your doctor may prescribe you a reduced dose.

Overdose:

If you take more tablets than you should, or if someone else or a child takes your medicine, contact or go to your nearest emergency centre straight away. Take this leaflet or some tablets with you so that your doctor knows exactly what you have taken.

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a forgotten dose.

Like all medicines, NESINA may cause unwanted reactions, so called side effects.

The common side effects that may occur are:

• cold or flu like symptoms such as sore throat, stuffy or blocked nose, feeling tired, fever, chills, body ache, dry cough
• rash or itchy skin
• headache
• abdominal pain
• stomach pain
• nausea
• toothache
• vomiting
• constipation
• indigestion, heartburn
• back pain
• muscle and/or bone pain (including of the chest)
• cramp
• tiredness (fatigue)
• difficulty sleeping
• tiredness, weakness, dizziness or pale complexion due to low red blood cells (anaemia)
• swelling of extremities
• high cholesterol or fat in blood
• joint pain
• pain, numbness or sensation of “pins and needles” in extremities
• high blood pressure (hypertension)

Uncommon side effects that may occur are:

• allergic reaction (including severe rash, facial swelling and hives)
• upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back, with or without vomiting, due to a swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Unknown side effects that may occur are:

• serious rash, involving skin reddening, pain, swelling of lips, eyes or mouth, skin peeling and flu-like symptoms (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
• liver problems

NESINA can cause abnormal blood test results. Your doctor will decide when to perform tests and will interpret the results.

Before you take NESINA, tell your doctor if you:

• have type 1 diabetes (your body does not produce insulin)
• have diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body is unable to breakdown glucose because there is not enough insulin). Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting and rapid weight loss
• are taking the antidiabetic medicines pioglitazone and metformin or a medicine known as sulfonylurea (e.g. glipizide, tolbutamide, glibenclamide) or insulin (with or without metformin). Your doctor may want to reduce your dose of sulfonylurea or insulin when you take any of them together with NESINA in order to avoid too low blood sugar. Take precaution to avoid low blood sugar while driving or using machinery.
• have or have had kidney disease
• suffer from heart failure
• have or have had liver problems
• have any allergies, especially to the ingredients in NESINA
• have or have had a inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
• have had allergic reactions to any other medications that you take to control your blood sugar. Symptoms may include general itching and feeling of heat especially affecting the scalp, mouth, throat, palms of hands and soles of feet, as well as blistering (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Talk to your doctor before starting any new medicine.

NERISONE is for use on the skin only. It is NOT for use in the eyes or on other mucous membranes.

Usual dose:

Use NERISONE once or twice a day for a maximum of 4 weeks. The number of times you use your medicine may be reduced as your skin gets better or your doctor may prescribe a weaker steroid for you to use instead. It is important to not stop using NERISONE suddenly or your skin condition could flare up again. If your condition does not improve within 2-4 weeks of treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use NERISONE regularly, make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.

How to Apply NERISONE:

• Apply a thin layer and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the entire affected area.
• Wash your hands after use unless treating the hands.
• Excess product should not be returned to the container, since it may cause contamination.
• If you are also using an emollient (moisturising) preparation allow time for NERISONE to be absorbed after each application before applying the emollient.
• Your doctor may recommend using a moisturizer as maintenance therapy.
• Do not use occlusive dressings such as a bandage, or cover the treated areas tightly.

NERISONE should be used for the minimum amount of time required to achieve the desired results, but always use NERISONE exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Overdose:

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you forget to use NERISONE, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time scheduled to apply your next dose, wait and apply your next scheduled dose and then continue as before. Do not apply extra NERISONE to make up for missed doses.

Like all medicines NERISONE can have side effects although not everybody gets them. Side effects will affect your skin and may have an effect on other parts of your body if a sufficient quantity of medicine is absorbed through the skin and enters your blood stream.

If your skin condition gets worse or your skin becomes swollen during treatment you may be allergic to the medicine or need other treatment. Stop using NERISONE and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

The following side effects have been reported in patients using topical corticosteroids:

Common side effects

• itchy skin
• skin burning or pain

Very rare side effects

Use of a topical corticosteroid for a long period of time, over a large body surface, or use under an airtight dressing, may cause the following symptoms:

• increased weight
• moon face/rounding of the face, obesity
• skin thinning (this may cause stretch marks), skin softening, skin wrinkling, skin dryness, the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin (telangiectasia), changes to the colour of your skin
• increased body hair, hair loss/lack of hair growth/damaged looking hair
• allergic reaction, irritation or pain at the site of application
• worsening of condition
• redness, rash or hives, prickly heat rash
• secondary infection
• allergic contact dermatitis/dermatitis (a type of eczema)
• pimples (pustules)
• steroid withdrawal syndrome (symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain)

If you have psoriasis you may get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen very rarely during or after treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis.

In children also look out for the following symptoms:

• delayed weight gain
• slow growth

Other symptoms that may only show in blood tests or when your doctor gives you a medical examination are: decreased hormone cortisol levels in your blood, increased sugar levels in your blood or urine, high blood pressure, cloudy lens in the eye (cataract), increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), as well as weakening of `the bones through gradual mineral loss (osteoporosis) and additional tests may be needed after your medical examination to confirm whether you have osteoporosis.

Topical corticosteroids when used over large areas, on sensitive areas such as the face, in skin-fold areas like the armpit and groin, on broken skin, for prolonged periods or under an airtight dressing are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause side effects. Apply only enough to cover the affected areas. NERISONE should not be applied over large areas unless advised by a physician.

Only use NERISONE for as long as your doctor recommends.

Inform your doctor if you have previously used corticosteroids.

Before using NERISONE, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• you are breastfeeding. If you do use NERISONE when breastfeeding, do not use on your breast area to ensure that the baby does not accidentally get it in their mouth.
• you have sores in the leg as a result of poor circulation (such as stasis dermatitis).
• you have problems with your kidney or liver. You may need to use a smaller amount of NERISONE or use it less often.

While using NERISONE, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you develop any skin infection
• you have an allergic reaction
• you develop troublesome skin irritation
• you experience skin thinning or softening
• your condition worsens or does not improve

While using NERISONE:

• NERISONE should be used with caution on the face, or in skin fold areas, such as the groin or the armpit.
• Avoid applying NERISONE in or near the eye, or other mucous membranes. In case of contact, wash with water. Absorption may cause increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), or a cloudy lens in the eye (cataracts).
• Do not use occlusive dressings such as a bandage, or cover the treated areas tightly.
• If you are over 65 years of age, use NERISONE with caution. You may need to use a smaller amount of NERISONE or use it less often
• The skin of children absorbs larger amounts of topical corticosteroids than the skin of adults; and therefore, children may be more likely to develop side effects.
• Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of an allergic reaction or an infection if applied near ulcers on the legs.

Some medicines may affect how NERISONE works, or make it more likely that you’ll have side effects. Examples of these medicines include:

• Ritonavir (for HIV)
• Itraconazole (for fungal infections)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your other medications, including medicines that you bought without prescription and natural health products.

While using NEPTAZANE, you may need frequent blood tests.

NEPTAZANE may be only part of a complete treatment program that may also include other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blood in urine or stools;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• a blood cell disorder--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, bleeding gums;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain or swelling, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of metabolic acidosis--confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats;
• signs of a kidney stone--pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingling, especially in your arms and legs;
• drowsiness, confusion;
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;
• increased urination; or
• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You should not use this medicine if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to NEPTAZANE or sulfa drugs.

You should not use NEPTAZANE if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;
• severe kidney disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• adrenal gland failure; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

To make sure NEPTAZANE is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• severe breathing problems;
• angle closure glaucoma; or
• if you also take aspirin in high doses.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether NEPTAZANE passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

NEPTAZANE is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. NEPTAZANE can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with NEPTAZANE, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

You can apply a thin film of NEOSPORIN to the irritated or injured skin one to three times a day.

The ointment form may be applied to most open wounds, but the cream should not be used on broken skin.

Missed Dose of NEOSPORIN

If you have been using NEOSPORIN on a wound and forget to apply it, use it as soon as you remember.

If it's almost time for the next application, skip the missed one and use it at the regular time.

Common Side Effects of NEOSPORIN

• Skin irritation
• Rash

Serious Side Effects of NEOSPORIN

• Kidney damage
• Liver damage

Don't take if you're allergic to NEOSPORIN or any of the ingredients in the drug.  

Ask your doctor about NEOSPORIN if you have myasthenia gravis.

Do not apply the cream form to an open wound.

NEOSPORIN and Pregnancy

Some NEOSPORIN products may not be safe to use during pregnancy, and doctors do not know whether or not it's safe for your unborn child.

In generally, doctors consider NEOSPORIN safe to use while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding talk to your doctor before using NEOSPORIN.

NEOSPORIN doesn't usually interact with other drugs. Nevertheless, tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications you're taking.

This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, etc.), herbal remedies, and illegal and recreational drugs.

Also, even though NEOSPORIN contains neomycin, it doesn't interact with the pneumonia vaccine the way that oral neomycin does.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

You should not take this medicine if you have any of the following conditions: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, a blood-clotting disorder, circulation problems, diabetic problems with your eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had breast or uterine cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.

Taking this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you have certain other conditions, or if you are overweight.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You should not take NATAZIA if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Carefully follow the "missed dose" instructions if you forget to take your medicine.

Taking this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Your risk of stroke or blood clot is highest during your first year of taking NATAZIA. Your risk is also high when you restart this medicine after not taking it for 4 weeks or longer.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Your risk increases the older you are and the more you smoke. You should not take this medicine if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking this medicine.

You should not take NATAZIA if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• heart disease (coronary artery disease, uncontrolled heart valve disorder, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot);
• a blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
• problems with your eyes, kidneys or circulation caused by diabetes;
• a history of hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
• liver disease or liver cancer;
• severe migraine headaches; or
• if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or if you are overweight;
• a history of depression;
• diabetes, underactive thyroid, gallbladder disease;
• seizures or epilepsy; or
• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

The hormones in NATAZIA can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medicine may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, coughing up blood, swelling or warmth in one or both legs;
• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• liver problems--severe stomach pain, fever, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• sudden and severe pelvic pain;
• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression--sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

Common side effects may include:

• light vaginal bleeding or spotting;
• nausea (especially during the first few months of taking this medicine), vomiting;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• weight gain; or
• problems with contact lenses.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Do not smoke while taking this medicine, especially if you are older than 35 years of age.

NATAZIA will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

Many drugs can interact with birth control pills and make them less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Estradiol can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects. You may need to use a back-up birth control method while using certain other drugs. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

This medicine contains 5 different colors of pills. Take 1 pill each day in the exact order directed on the blister pack. Follow the arrows shown on each row of pills in the pack. Use a back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, for the first 9 days. Do not take two different kinds of birth control pills at the same time.

If you are switching from another birth control pill, start taking NATAZIA on the first day of your period. If you were taking progestin-only pills, start taking NATAZIA on the day you would have taken your next pill.

If you are switching from a birth control implant, intrauterine device (IUD), vaginal ring, or skin patch, start taking NATAZIA on the day the other birth control device is removed. If you are switching from a birth control injection, start taking NATAZIA on the day you would have received your next scheduled injection.

Tell your doctor if you have heavy breakthrough bleeding. You may also have very little or no bleeding during your periods.

If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using NATAZIA.

While taking NATAZIA, you will need to visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

Follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Missing a pill by more than 12 hours increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Vomiting or having diarrhea within 4 hours after taking a pill is the same as missing that dose.

If you miss one pill:

• During Days 1 through 17, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take your next pill at the usual time. Use back-up birth control for at least 9 days.
• During Days 18 through 24, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day. Take the Day 1 pill from the new pack and then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 9 days.
• During Days 25 through 28, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take your next pill at the usual time. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss one pill during Days 25 through 28.

If you miss two pills:

• During Days 1 through 16, skip the missed pills and start with the pill that corresponds to the day you remember you missed your doses. Then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use your back up birth control for at least 9 days
• During Days 17 through 24, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day. Take the Day 3 pill from the new pack and then take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. Use your back up birth control for at least 9 days.
• During Days 25 through 28, throw out the rest of the pack. Start a new pack on the same day or on the day you would normally start a new pack. Take one pill per day in the order directed on the pack. No back up birth control is needed.

If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

Usual dose:

Follow the Instructions for Use: described below. If you have any problems tell your doctor or pharmacist.

• It is important that you inhale each dose through the nose as instructed. The label will usually tell you how many doses to take. If it does not, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• DO NOT inhale more doses or use your nasal spray more often than your doctor advises.
• It takes a few days for this medicine to work. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE IT REGULARLY. DO NOT STOP treatment even if you feel better, unless told to do so by your doctor.
• If your symptoms have not improved after three weeks of treatment with NASACORT AQ, tell your doctor.
• Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The usual dose is two sprays into each nostril once daily (220 micrograms).
• Children 4 to 12 years of age: The recommended dose is 110 µg per day given as one spray in each nostril once a day.
• NASACORT AQ is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Overdose:

If you think you have taken too much NASACORT AQ or accidentally ingested it orally, contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, hospital emergency department or regional Poison control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose, do not worry; take a dose if you remember within an hour or so. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What to do if you stop your medicine:

If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, do not keep any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Contact your physician as soon as possible if any of the following occur:

• If you notice that any discharge from your nose is yellow or green; which may be a nasal infection.
• If you experience an unpleasant taste or smell;
• If your nose or throat becomes painful or if you have a severe nose bleed after using the nasal spray;
• If you feel unwell or have any other problems.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. They may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Sneezing;
• Headaches;
• Burning, dryness or other irritation inside the nose (lasting only a short time after applying the medication).

NASACORT AQ may have an effect on how fast children grow. If your child is taking Nasacort AQ, your healthcare provider will need to regularly check the height of your child and adjust the dose as appropriate.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

BEFORE you use NASACORT AQ talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you have already taken NASACORT AQ or any other corticosteroids and developed an allergy or intolerance to any of them;
• you are allergic to any other substances, such as food, preservatives or dyes;
• you are pregnant or breast feeding, or likely to become pregnant or breast feed. Your doctor may decide not to prescribe this medication in these circumstances;
• you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines;
• you suffer from any other medical problems or if you have had a recent injury, surgery to your nose, or nasal infection with Candida albicans (a fungal infection).

Glaucoma (increase in eye pressure that cause visual problem) or cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) have been reported in patients receiving nasal corticosteroids. If you notice any visual problems, talk to your doctor.

Slower rate of growth has been reported in some children receiving treatment. You and your doctor should monitor your child’s growth.

NASACORT AQ can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• cancer medicine (chemotherapy);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
• sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf);
• basiliximab (Simulect), efalizumab (Raptiva), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone);
• mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept);
• azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel); or
• other steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with NASACORT AQ. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your dose of NAPROSYN will depend on which brand and strength you take, which condition is being treated, and your age.

For arthritis, common dosages can range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). In children, the dose is calculated by body weight.

At lower doses, NAPROSYN works best to relieve pain. Higher doses may be needed to reduce swelling.

Here are general guidelines for NAPROSYN dosages:

• Extended-release tablets may be taken once a day.
• Enteric coated tablets may be taken twice a day.
• Tablets may be taken every 8 hours for gout or pain.
• OTC NAPROSYN is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours.

Here are some general rules for taking NAPROSYN:

• Take NAPROSYN with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Always take NAPROSYN with a full glass of water.
• Do not chew, split, or crush NAPROSYN tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol while taking NAPROSYN.

Although NAPROSYN and other NSAIDs have warnings and side effects you need to be aware of, they have been an important treatment for millions of people with muscle, bone, and joint problems for more than 30 years.

Most people can take NAPROSYN without any problems. Make sure you know how to take NAPROSYN safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

NAPROSYN Overdose

An overdose of NAPROSYN may cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing

If you think you have taken an overdose or if someone else may have overdosed on NAPROSYN, call a poison control center or call 9-1-1.

Missed Dose of NAPROSYN 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you think of it, but do not take two doses at the same time, and do not take extra doses.

If you are close to your dose time, take your normal dose.

If you are well past your dose time, skip the missed dose and just wait until your next scheduled dose.

Side effects from NAPROSYN are more frequent if you need to take this medication over a long period of time.

Digestive system complaints are the most frequent side effects of NAPROSYN. Others include:

• Heartburn
• Stomach ache
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Skin bruising
• Ringing in the ears
• Fluid retention
• Shortness of breath

If you have any side effects, stop taking NAPROSYN and call your doctor.

Serious side effects of NAPROSYN that you should call your doctor about right away include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, or trouble breathing
• Digestive symptoms, such as bad stomach ache, throwing up blood, or black or bloody bowel movements
• Stroke symptoms, such as one-sided weakness, changes in balance or eyesight, or trouble with balance, talking, or thinking
• Heart problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, or sudden fluid buildup
• Other problems, such as dark urine, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), bad headache, seizure, decreased urine, any bruising or bleeding, severe back pain, or chills and fever

NAPROSYN may raise your risk for heart attacks and stroke.

Heart and stroke risk is greater if you have a history of or risk factors for heart disease.

NAPROSYN may cause ulcers and bleeding in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcer and bleeding risk is higher if you are elderly.

Because elderly people are more likely to have side effects, you should take the lowest possible effective dose if you are over age 65.

This drug is not recommended for children younger than 2 years.

Always tell your doctor if you are taking NAPROSYN before having any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.

Before you take NAPROSYN, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to NSAIDs.

In addition to stroke, heart disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding, other conditions also carry warnings related to NAPROSYN use, so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Nasal congestion or nasal polyps
• Stomach ulcer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

NAPROSYN and Pregnancy

NAPROSYN may cause harm to a developing fetus, and should not be used in the later stages of pregnancy.

There's some evidence that NAPROSYN can cause problems for developing babies and increase the risk for maternal bleeding during delivery.

NAPROSYN and Breastfeeding

Studies of NAPROSYN use by women who are breastfeeding are inconsistent.

Some evidence suggests that NAPROSYN is safe for a breastfeeding mother to use in moderate doses if her infant is at least one month old.

However, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns that NAPROSYN can accumulate in an infant if a breastfeeding mother uses the drug for an extended period of time.

Ask your doctor if it's safe to use NAPROSYN while breastfeeding. There may be safer alternatives for you and your nursing baby.

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any drugs you take, including other prescription drugs, other OTC drugs, and any vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies.

Certain drugs are known to interact with NAPROSYN and may cause problems:

• NAPROSYN may interact with several types of blood pressure medications and make them less effective.
• Some types of antacids medications may make NAPROSYN less effective.
• NAPROSYN should be taken very carefully with other NSAIDs, including aspirin.
• NAPROSYN may reduce the effectiveness of some diuretics.
• NAPROSYN may enhance the toxicity of lithium and increase the risk for lithium side effects.
• NAPROSYN may increase the level of the drug methotrexate and increase the risk for methotrexate side effects.
• The blood thinner warfarin may be more likely to cause GI (stomach) bleeding when combined with NAPROSYN.
• NAPROSYN may be more likely to cause GI bleeding when combined with antidepressant drugs called SSRIs.

Alcohol and NAPROSYN

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking NAPROSYN.

Drinking alcohol and taking NAPROSYN increases the chance of developing a stomach ulcer or having gastrointestinal bleeding.

NAPROSYN and Other Interactions

Ask your healthcare provider prior to using cold, allergy, or pain medications.

These may contain other medicines similar to NAPROSYN, and taking the products together may give you too much of the medication.

While taking NAPROSYN, avoid sunlight exposure and tanning beds, as you can sunburn more easily.