Oxaprozin
About Oxaprozin
Oxaprozin belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), indicated to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to relieve juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children aged six years and older.
Oxaprozin contains Oxaprozin, which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
In some cases, Oxaprozin may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Oxaprozin is not recommended for children below six years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Oxaprozin
Medicinal Benefits
Oxaprozin is used to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children aged six years and older. Oxaprozin contains Oxaprozin, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oxaprozin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Do not take Oxaprozin if you are allergic to any of its components or have experienced asthma, allergic-type reactions, or urticaria after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. This medicine is contraindicated for treating peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. People taking Oxaprozin may be at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The risk may be higher for people taking NSAIDs for a longer duration. Avoid taking Oxaprozin if you have recently had a heart attack unless prescribed by the doctor. Inform the doctor if you have/had asthma, heart failure, kidney or liver disease, or swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs or ankles. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking painkiller (aspirin), anti-rheumatic (methotrexate), ACE inhibitors, diuretics, antimanic agent (lithium), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-diabetic (glyburide).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding problems, severe hepatic impairment, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if Oxaprozin interacts with alcohol. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionOxaprozin belongs to pregnancy category C. Oxaprozin is not recommended to be taken around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy as it might harm the foetus. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
cautionOxaprozin may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionCaution should be observed in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionOxaprozin is safe for children aged six years and above to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is not recommended for children below six years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- If you are due to undergo any tests or surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Oxaprozin.
- Regular complete blood profile, liver and kidney function tests are advised if you are on long-term treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is a form of arthritis that causes joint stiffness and inflammation for at least six weeks in children aged 16 years or below. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fever, rash, tiredness, loss of appetite, and inflammation.
FAQs
Oxaprozin works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation.
Oxaprozin might make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, wear protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses and avoid prolonged or unnecessary exposure to sunlight.
Oxaprozin should be used with extreme caution and only if prescribed in patients with peptic ulcer disease.
Avoid taking Oxaprozin for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. Taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration is advised.