Aleve is used for relieving different kinds of pain, including headache, muscle pain, tendonitis, tooth pain and painful menstruation. It also decreases pain, swelling and stiffness resulted from arthritis, bunion and gout. Aleve belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It acts by preventing the release of certain natural chemicals, which may lead to the inflammation.
If you use the drug for the treatment of chronic diseases (for example, arthritis), ask your physician about non-drug treatments and/or using other drugs to cure your pain. Read carefully the warning section.
Read the drug instruction given by your pharmacist before starting to take Aleve.
Take Aleve orally 2-3 times a day with water. Avoid lying down for about 10 minutes after the intake. To prevent indigestion, take the medicine with food or milk.
The dosage depends on your health condition and reaction to the treatment. To minimize the risk of stomach bleeding and other adverse effects, take Aleve at a low dosage for a short term. Never change your dosage or frequency of use. In case of chronic conditions (for example, arthritis), continue using Aleve according to the doctor’s prescriptions.
For certain diseases, it may take up to 14 days of taking Aleve on a regular basis until you note significant improvement.
Don’t forget that pain drugs acts best if they’re taken as soon as the first symptoms of pain occur. If you wait until the pain becomes worse, the drug may not act as necessary.
Tell your physician if your state doesn’t improve or even gets worse.
Possible adverse effects
Indigestion, sickness, acid reflux, head pain, sleepiness or vertigo may happen. If any of such effects lasts or aggravate, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor may prescribe Aleve only if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of adverse effects. Many patients taking Aleve don’t experience severe adverse effects.
The drug can increase your blood pressure. Measure it regularly and inform your doctor if the pressure is too high.
Inform your physician at once if you have the following adverse effects: bruises, hemorrhage, difficulty swallowing, hearing impairment, mood swings, swelling of different body parts, rapid weight gain, urination problems, stiff neck, vision problem and unusual fatigue.
The drug can rarely cause severe liver dysfunction. Seek immediate medical assistance if you have any signs of liver diseases, such as: dark urine, constant sickness/vomiting/lack of appetite, stomachache and jaundice.
A very severe allergic response to Aleve is rare. However, you should seek medical assistance at once if you note any signs of a severe allergic response, such as hives, itching and face swelling, vertigo and breathing problems.
Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have allergy to this drug, aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen, celecoxib). Aleve may include inactive components, which can also lead to the allergic reactions or other health complications.
Before starting the treatment, inform your physician about your medical history, particularly of: asthma, blood diseases (including anemia and blood clotting problem), nasal growths, cardiovascular disease (including heart attack in history), hypertension, liver dysfunction, stroke, stomach diseases (such as hemorrhage, acid reflux and ulcers).
Kidney dysfunction can sometimes be caused by the use of Aleve. Such problems may result from dehydration, heart failure or kidney disease. There’s a high risk of kidney dysfunction in older patients or people who take certain drug (read the Drug Interactions section). Drink a lot of liquid to avoid dehydration and inform your doctor at once if you note any significant change in the amount of urine.
Aleve may cause dizziness. Therefore, you should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or engaging in any activity, which requires high concentration.
The drug can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Drinking alcohol and smoking during the treatment can increase the risk for this condition. Therefore, you should avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking. Ask your doctor for additional information.
The medicine can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Avoid getting exposed to the sun for a long time. Always apply a sunscreen when outdoors.
In some cases, Aleve may contain sodium. Inform your doctor if you follow a low-salt diet.
If you’re going to have an operation, inform your doctor about all the drugs you’re taking (prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements).
Older patients can be more sensitive to the adverse effects of the drug, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney dysfunction.
Before starting the treatment, women of childbearing age must talk with their doctor about the possible advantages and risks (for example, miscarriage or problem getting pregnant). Inform your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. In this case, Aleve must be used only in case of emergency. It must not be used during the I and III trimesters of pregnancy because of the possible harm to the fetus and interference with normal delivery.
Aleve can get into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on a newborn. Ask your physician before starting the breastfeeding.