Anaprox and Weight Gain

Extensive clinical studies have not shown a link between Anaprox and weight gain. However, if rapid weight gain occurs -- especially if accompanied by swelling or a cough -- it could indicate congestive heart failure. If you are taking Anaprox and weight gain occurs gradually, try exercising regularly, limiting your alcohol intake, and eating a heart-healthy diet.

 

Anaprox and Weight Gain: An Overview

Side effects with Anaprox® (naproxen sodium) are possible. Gradual weight gain, however, does not appear to be one of them. This data comes from clinical trials that extensively studied Anaprox and documented its side effects.
 

Understanding Clinical Trials

Before medicines are approved, they must go through several clinical studies in which thousands of people are given a particular medicine and then compared to a group of people not given the medicine. In these studies, side effects are always documented. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they occur, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. Side effects are then usually separated into those side effects that occurred in more than 1 percent of people (common side effects) and those that occurred in less than 1 percent of people (rare side effects).
 
For people taking Anaprox, gradual weight gain was reported as neither a common nor rare side effect. Weight gain has been reported as a rare side effect with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, because it occurs in less than 1 percent of people taking NSAIDs, it is not possible to tell whether the weight gain is because of the medicine, other factors, or a combination of both.
 

Anaprox and Rapid Weight Gain

One very important point to keep in mind related to Anaprox and weight gain is that all NSAIDs, including Anaprox, may cause congestive heart failure. One of the main symptoms of heart failure is unexplained weight gain. In fact, people with symptoms of congestive heart failure can often have rapid weight gain over a couple of days. This weight gain is often combined with other symptoms, such as a cough and swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you are taking Anaprox and notice unexplained weight gain or swelling.
 
(Anaprox and Weight Gain Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;