Aleve
(naproxen)
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.
Our bottom line
Aleve (naproxen) works well for treating mild to moderate pain or inflammation, and lasts longer than other NSAIDs.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (naproxen)
Upsides
- Aleve (naproxen) is good for relieving pain from common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, and arthritis.
- It lasts longer than other NSAIDS so you don't have to take it as often.
- Aleve (naproxen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
- Aleve (naproxen) causes fewer stomach problems than its alternatives.
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What to expect from naproxen, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
978Downsides
- Aleve (naproxen) needs to be taken with food or millk to lower the chances of upset stomach.
- Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) is as not safe for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
- It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
- Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
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What to expect from naproxen, on one page
Download Fact SheetAleve (naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks inflammation in your body, which relieves pain, swelling, and fever.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (naproxen)
Used for
- Arthritis
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Extended-release pill
- Suspension
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$22.28
- CostcoGet free coupon$22.88
What to expect when you take Aleve (naproxen) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Stomach pain
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Heartburn
- Abnormal accumulation of water in body
- Headache
Side effect rates for Aleve (naproxen)
Risks and Warnings for Aleve (naproxen)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of heart problems
- › Taking the medicine for a long period of time
Aleve (naproxen) can increase your chances of getting blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. To lower your risk, take it at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Go to the emergency room right away if you experience chest pain, breathing problems, weakness in one side of the body, or difficulty speaking.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Aleve (naproxen)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
- Aleve (naproxen) needs to be taken with food or millk to lower the chances of upset stomach.
- Aleve (naproxen) can damage your kidneys if taken for a very long time. Taking the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time lowers your risk. Talk to your doctor if this worries you, or if you already have kidney damage before you start taking Aleve (naproxen).
- Talk to your doctor before continued use if your pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days or your fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days.