Brand Name(s): Daypro

Generic Name Oxaprozin

What are oxaprozin caplets?

OXAPROZIN (Daypro®) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Oxaprozin helps reduce inflammation and ease mild to moderate pain. It reduces fever and helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other conditions associated with inflammation. Generic oxaprozin tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take oxaprozin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
• cigarette smoker
• diabetes
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• heart failure
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach or duodenal ulcers
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take oxaprozin caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow caplets whole with a full glass of water; take caplets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the caplets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. It is better to take oxaprozin with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of oxaprozin in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is usually not for children under 6 years of age.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What other drug(s) may interact with oxaprozin?

• alcohol
• anti-inflammatory drugs (other NSAIDs, prednisone)
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cidofovir
• cyclosporine
• entecavir
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that affect platelets
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'
• methotrexate
• pemetrexed
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking oxaprozin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
• blurred vision
• change in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of feet or ankles
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking oxaprozin?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues. Do not take oxaprozin with other pain-killers or antiinflammatory drugs without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains); do not treat yourself; consult your health care provider.

To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take oxaprozin with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how oxaprozin affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from oxaprozin.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking oxaprozin. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

It is especially important not to use oxaprozin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Oxaprozin may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at 25 °C (77 °F). Avoid temperature above 30 °C (86 °F) or below 15 °C (59 °F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.