Oxaprozin (
Daypro®) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short.
Oxaprozin is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
Oxaprozin and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, oxaprozin is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and other painful conditions.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take oxaprozin include the following:
- The medication comes in a caplet form that is taken by mouth.
- Your dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent stomach upset.
- Oxaprozin may take several weeks to achieve its full potential.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
- Oxaprozin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For oxaprozin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it in a different way than how your healthcare provider recommends.
The dose of oxaprozin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Oxaprozin
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with oxaprozin. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Gas
- Unexplained bleeding
- Ulcer in the stomach or intestines (peptic ulcer)
- Anemia
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness or weakness
- Unexplained rash
- Itching
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Less common but potentially serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reaction
- Unexplained rash.
These possible side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs other than aspirin, including oxaprozin, may be at higher risk for
heart attack or
stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking them for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death, so tell your healthcare provider if you have or ever had had any of the following:
You should also talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking oxaprozin if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems or are taking a medicine that decreases the blood's ability to clot
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Daypro and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much oxaprozin may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- The heart stopping.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Oxaprozin Be Stored?
Oxaprozin should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The caplets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your oxaprozin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Oxaprozin is available in one strength -- oxaprozin 600 mg caplets.
