Introduction
Oxaprozin also known as Oxaprozinum (sold under the names: Daypro, Dayrun, Duraprox) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation).
How does it work?
Oxaprozin decreases inflammation, pain, and fever, probably through inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis.
When is Oxaprozin used?
Oxaprozin is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis.
Limitations and drawbacks of Oxaprozin
Oxaprozin should never be taken on an empty stomach as, like aspirin, it can also cause severe gastritis (inflammation of your stomach) intestinal and stomach ulcers. You should take this medication by mouth usually once daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), unless your doctor directs you otherwise. You should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
Risk of serious drug interactions
Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. You should avoid or limit alcohol and stop smoking. In addition, this drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cidofovir, Ketorolac, anti-platelet drugs (e.g., cilostazol, clopidogrel), oral bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), "blood thinners" (e.g., enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cyclosporine, high blood pressure drugs (including ACE inhibitors such as captopril, angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as losartan, and beta-blockers such as metoprolol), lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, probenecid, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene).
What are the common side effects of Oxaprozin?
Upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, heartburn, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, or headache may occur. More serious side effects include stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting. Even more serious side effects are change in the amount of urine, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck and seizures. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease.
In what kind of people, this drug should not be used?
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions such as aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), recent heart bypass surgery (CABG). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to an unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Do you really need Oxaprozin in arthritis?
Oxaprozin, while effective in some people, only addresses "one" of the several issues of arthritis i.e. pain. It does not address the core problems such as morning stiffness, joint tenderness and swelling. Even the pain relief comes with a lot of risk of drug interactions and adverse events. Therefore, its use should be strictly limited to your doctor's advice and when there are no other safer options.
Can you use Provailen with Oxaprozin?
Provailen is dietary supplement used to control and manage arthritis and its key symptoms such as stiffness, tenderness and pain. To date, no studies have shown any evidence of possible drug interactions between Provailen and any other medical drugs. Provailen, therefore, can be one of your safe and recommended choices in arthritis.