Guide To The Side Effects Of Naproxen

Difficulty Breathing

Difficulty breathing could develop if naproxen is used for a long time. This side effect is more common in female patients over sixty years old, and taking prednisone with naproxen could increase the likelihood of breathing difficulties. Naproxen causes fluid retention, and it forces the heart to work harder. This could increase a patient's risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and the risk of a heart attack or stroke remains elevated in naproxen users without cardiac risk factors as well. Since shortness of breath could be a sign of a heart attack or stroke, patients with this symptom need to seek emergency medical attention immediately. They should tell emergency room staff how long they have been using naproxen. Doctors can diagnose shortness of breath simply by listening to the patient's lung sounds with a stethoscope. The patient's respiration rate will be measured regularly, and supplemental oxygen will be provided to ease the patient's breathing. Patients who notice breathing issues while on naproxen should discontinue their use of the medicine. Doctors may be able to recommend or prescribe a more effective pain reliever that does not cause this side effect.

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Bruising

Bruising is an indication of bleeding underneath the skin, and it could be a sign of serious internal bleeding. Older patients who take naproxen are more likely to experience this side effect. It can develop with short-term use of naproxen, and the risk of bruising and internal bleeding increases the longer the patient remains on naproxen. Bruising could be due to bleeding from a stomach ulcer or tears in the stomach or intestines. In particular, bruises around the flank or the belly button are strongly associated with internal bleeding, and these should be investigated in the emergency room. Patients who notice frequent bruises should speak to their doctor as well to determine the underlying cause for this. To evaluate bruising, doctors will examine the patient's skin, and blood tests may be necessary. If internal bleeding is suspected, the patient will need to have imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans to find the source of the bleeding. Patients who are at high risk for internal bleeding may be advised not to take naproxen, and an alternate medication could be recommended instead.

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