People who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) such as oxaprozin may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke, if you smoke, and if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Get emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part or side of the body, or slurred speech.
If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type of heart surgery), you should not take oxaprozin right before or right after the surgery.
NSAIDs such as oxaprozin may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death. The risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time, are older in age, have poor health. or drink large amounts of alcohol while you are taking oxaprozin. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines or other bleeding disorders. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking oxaprozin and call your doctor: stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably order certain tests to check your body's response to oxaprozin. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling so that your doctor can prescribe the right amount of medication to treat your condition with the lowest risk of serious side effects.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with oxaprozin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Oxaprozin is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Oxaprozin is also used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 6 years of age and older. Oxaprozin is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Oxaprozin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Take oxaprozin at around the time(s) each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxaprozin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking oxaprozin if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should take lower doses of oxaprozin for only a short time period because higher doses used regularly may not be more effective and are more likely to cause serious side effects.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Tak+-e the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
diarrhea
constipation
vomiting
gas or bloating
drowsiness
difficulty sleeping
confusion
depression
dizziness
headache
ringing in the ears
unexplained weight gain
fever
blisters
rash
itching
hives
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty breathing or swallowing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
lack of energy
excessive tiredness
upset stomach
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
flu-like symptoms
pale skin
fast heartbeat
cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
back pain
difficult or painful urination
Oxaprozin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
lack of energy
drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
bloody, black, or tarry stools
vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
difficulty breathing
seizures
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking oxaprozin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 12/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.