Aleve/Naproxin?

[ProcrastiBaker]

My rheumatologist told me not to take Ibuprofen while on Prednisone. I am at 10/mg per day of Prednisone. Last night I had a headache due to returning to our home at 9000ft in elevation. It takes me a couple of days to adapt. I drank a big glass of water and took one Aleve/Naproxen. My headache went away pretty quickly. Is it ok to take Aleve? Why is Ibuprofen a bad choice? Thanks for your help.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Aleve/Naproxen/Ibruprofen are all NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) -and if taken with Pred, both can cause stomach issues.

The occasional tablet shouldn’t do much harm, but regular use is not recommended.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Naproxen is also an NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug) and they have a reputation for causing stomach irritation. So does pred so taking both together increases the risk and can result in gastric bleeding. So really, no NSAID is really to be recommended. Tylenol/paracetamol is said to be fine.

I take ibuprofen on odd occasions without problems so far but my rheumy insists I take a PPI (antiacid medication) if I need ibuprofen more regularly which I do occasionally.

[ProcrastiBaker in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I will try Tylenol. I really appreciate getting solid advice.

[piglette]

That is fantastic that you have found a doctor that knows you should not take naproxen with a steroid. Say congratulations to them.

[Sophiestree in reply to piglette]

🤣

[PMRCanada]

I took 1000mg of Naproxen daily prior to PMR diagnosis and starting pred. It was enteric coated to help avoid stomach issues.

When I started pred my GP instructed me to stop taking Naproxin as taking both could cause gastric problems (as already mentioned in other posts).

Now I take Tylenol for headaches and general pain relief, but if I had to take an NSAID like Naproxen for an extended time, enteric coated or with a PPI would be preferred.