Juveprox

Indications

Oxaprozin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Because it lasts a long time in the body, it is usually taken once a day.

How It Works

Oxaprozin blocks enzymes called cyclo-oxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes make prostaglandins, chemical messengers that cause pain, inflammation and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases joint pain and swelling. It does not cure arthritis but helps control symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

Usual adult dose for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: 1200 mg (two 600 mg tablets) once a day, or as prescribed. Your doctor may use a lower dose (600 mg) for smaller people, older adults or people with kidney problems. Do not take more than your doctor has advised. Take with food or milk and a full glass of water if it upsets your stomach. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time that controls symptoms. Doses for children are based on body weight and must be set by a doctor.

Interactions

• Other NSAIDs, including Aspirin: more stomach bleeding and ulcers.
• Blood thinners such as Warfarin, and SSRIs or SNRIs: higher bleeding risk.
• Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers) and diuretics: weaker effect and higher risk of kidney problems.
• Lithium and Methotrexate: blood levels may rise.
• Corticosteroids and alcohol: more stomach irritation and bleeding.
• Cyclosporine: more kidney harm.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Oxaprozin, or asthma, hives or allergic reactions after Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Just before or after heart bypass surgery.
• Active stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding.
• Severe heart failure, severe kidney or liver disease.
• The last 3 months of pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common effects are indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, gas, headache, dizziness and rash. Less often it may cause fluid retention, raised blood pressure, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sunlight or changes in kidney and liver tests.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech; black, tarry stools or vomiting blood; yellow eyes or skin; a severe skin rash with blisters or peeling; swelling of the face or throat; or passing very little urine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in pregnancy unless your doctor says it is needed. From about 20 weeks it may affect the baby's kidneys and fluid around the baby, and it must not be used in the last 3 months because it can harm the baby's heart and delay labour. It may pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with long use or in people with heart disease. They can also cause stomach bleeding without warning, more so in older adults. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma, a past ulcer, or are dehydrated. Protect your skin from strong sunlight. Long-term users may need blood and kidney tests.

Overdose

Overdose may cause drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and, rarely, bleeding, breathing problems, kidney failure or coma. Seek emergency medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), propionic acid derivative.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.