morning!I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I’m on 500 Naproxen twice daily I have been on this dose for nearly two years because my RA isn’t yet under control is anyone else on this dose and have been on it at long?I have regular blood monitoring and my consultant know Im on it.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
Thanks 😊
Hi I've been on it for over 7 years now Rumatologist halted anti inflammatory
And got put on
Naproxen ever since
You do hear stories about being on them long term
Lots on long term as well as those who come off them
If their helping good hope they are for you
Are you on anything else? Who prescribes it if not your rheumy? You say your rheumatologist “knows your on it” Have you asked if there is something else you could take instead?
Hi thanks for replying!my rheumatologist put me on it nearly two years ago I’m on metratrexate injections and due to start biologics because my disease is so active!I know I need the naproxen because I wouldn’t be able to move I’m also on codine.I’ve noticed that last couple of weeks I’ve been getting a tummy ache right in the middle of stomach almost a burning feeling that’s waking me up in the night not every night but some nights but I do take Lansoprozole 🤦🏽♀️
You should mention this to your rheumy. Good luck on biologic.
It affects your stomach so you should mention it you need the lansoprazole every day
I had to stop taking naproxen as I got a duodenal ulcer. The location & burning you are describing sounds suspiciously similar. I would get the GP to check it out too.
I hope you find the right treatment soon 🙏😊
As soon as your rheumatologist gets the RA drugs he prescribes spot on he will most likely be able to take you off the Naproxen. Don’t get it into your head that you “have” to stay on it…until you have been without it unsuccessfully.
Codeine is known for tummy ache & constipation for some people….so ask for something else. Lanzoprazole also helps some people but not everybody.
I’m afraid we have to speak up & let our rheumy know all our little niggles before we find the perfect solution. But don’t be influenced when you read X is the “wonder drug…..”I found most of those were not for me!
I was on it for a few years but my rheumatology dept took me off it. Reason was age, RA and on Naproxen both give you a higher risk of heart attack. Did I miss it? No. I take 8 paracetamol a day which has anti-inflammatory powers.
Hi Mybirthday - I wish mine was 1975 😃
Anyway I’ve taken Naproxen for years . I’m in it twice a day like yourself as I’m waiting for the Rituximab to kick in. I always take it after food & keep an eye on the reflux. I buy own brand gaviscon liquid ( 1/3rd of the price) if I get acid.
When I’ve been settled on whatever treatment for my RA in the past I find I naturally don’t remember to take it.
As others have said make sure you tell your team, I know from experience they are v forgetful! Or talk to your GP ( mine prescribes mine).
Take care and hoping they get us both a little more sorted soon! 😊
Quick query re gaviscon. Have been on omeprazole for many years no problem with it but for some reason they have stopped working. Rheum nurse told me I need to go to GP for replacement. Spoke to pharmacist, at surgery, been told to make an app with GP. 🤔 start queuing at 7am and not necessarily able to have an app with a specific GP. Am now taking gaviscon liquid, bit like thick custard consistency, large pink bottle. Appears to be working. Any advice as to whether this is as good as anything you can get on prescription ?
Hi ABwn,
Your nurse is correct as there are alternatives to Omeprazole, so do persevere with you GP. Later in week is normally less fraught. As others have said it’s always worth getting the things checked out.
I think Gaviscon is the same whether you buy it over the counter or have it prescribed. Key is to compare ingredients. I know there is Gaviscon advance but I am referring to the normal one, which we use the own brand as it’s cheaper. I hope you have success reaching the GP & are soon more comfortable. If they have on line access it’s worth trying this also?
BW 😊
I have it on repeat prescription from my GP but the label says to take the lowest dose possible and not to take continuously which is slightly confusing. I’m only on a low dose of sulfasalazine atm plus a tapering dose of prednisone and only take naproxen occasionally as I find it makes me sleepy and doesn’t do a lot for the pain. Maybe it would be better to take it more regularly. I’m having my first rituximab infusion this Monday so hoping things will improve with that.🤞
I’ve been on naproxen for about 8 years. My rheumatologist said the risk of inflammation causing heart disease was greater than the risk from the naproxen. I take lansoprozole too. A few months ago I was experiencing indigestion type symptoms so went to my GP. They said to double my lansoprozole for a few days. That settled it down, it has returned a couple of times but each time has settled very quickly after increasing lansoprozole. I suggest speaking either to your GP or rheumatologist to check that there’s nothing more serious going on and if not ask if that is something appropriate for you to try.
I've been on it, 500mg twice a day, since autumn 2019, along with lansoprazole to take care of possible stomach issues ( that works as I haven't had any stomach issues) I have regular blood monitoring as am also on methotrexate.
I have both RA and osteo.
I self medicate my rheumatoid pain with codeine based otc medication and have done for a very long time. Last year I became suddenly unwell with a host of symptoms with gastric issues being the main thing. Long story short…. Cancer ruled out by series of scopes but diverticulitis found and said to be likely brought on by codeine. I no longer take it.
Alternative to naproxen 
Methotrexate and Naproxen?
Sulfasalazine and Naproxen 
Alternative to Naproxen 
