lansoprazole and naproxen Health Article

Generic name(s):

lansoprazole and naproxen

Brand name(s):

lansoprazole-naproxen, PREVACID NapraPAC 375, PREVACID NapraPAC 500

What is the most important information I should know about lansoprazole and naproxen?

The naproxen in this medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use naproxen. 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.

Naproxen 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 naproxen. 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 pain or arthritis medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Naproxen is contained in many medicines available over the counter. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains naproxen.

What is lansoprazole and naproxen?

Naproxen is in a group of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.

Lansoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

The combination of lansoprazole and naproxen is used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The lansoprazole in this medication helps reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who may be at risk for them while receiving treatment with an NSAID.

Lansoprazole and naproxen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lansoprazole and naproxen?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lansoprazole (Prevacid) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others).

Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use the NSAID. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

NSAIDs 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 an NSAID. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, heart attack, or congestive heart failure;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or

• a history of allergic reaction to asprin, especially asprin triad syndrome.

You may not be able to take lansoprazole and naproxen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Naproxen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. It is not known whether lansoprazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.