1. Name Of The Medicinal Product
NAPROXEN EC TABLETS 375mg
2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition
Each tablet contains: 375mg Naproxen.
3. Pharmaceutical Form
Gastro-resistant tablets.
White, oval, biconvex, shallow concave, enteric-coated tablets.
4. Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
Naproxen is indicated for the treatment of:
1) Rheumatoid arthritis.
2) Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis).
3) Ankylosing spondylitis.
4) Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
5) Acute gout.
6) Acute musculoskeletal disorders.
7) Dysmenorrhoea.
4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration
Posology
Adults:
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 500mg-1g daily in two doses at twelve hourly intervals, or alternatively, if 1g daily is needed this can be administered as two 500mg doses or as a single dose. The size of the morning and evening doses can be adjusted on the basis of the predominant symptoms (ie night time pain or morning stiffness)
Acute gout: Initially 750mg followed by 250mg every 8 hours until the attack has passed.
Acute musculoskeletal disorders and dysmenorrhoea: Initially 500mg followed by 250mg every 6-8 hours as necessary to a maximum of 1250mg daily after the first day.
Children over 5 years: For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis 10mg/kg a day taken in two doses every 12 hours.
Elderly: S Elderly: The elderly are at increased risk of the serious consequences of adverse reactions. If an NSAID is considered necessary, the lowest effective dose should be used and for the shortest possible duration. The patient should be monitored regularly for GI bleeding during NSAID therapy. Studies indicate that although total plasma concentration of naproxen is unchanged, unbound plasma fraction of naproxen is increased in the elderly. The implication of this finding for naproxen dosing is unknown. As with other drugs used in the elderly it is prudent to use the lowest effective dose.
Dosage should be reduced in the elderly where there is an impairment of renal function. (See other special warnings and precautions).
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.4).
Method of Administration
For oral administration. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken or crushed. To be taken preferably with or after food.
4.3 Contraindications
Patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulceration, known hypersensitivity to naproxen, naproxen sodium or any other ingredient in the formulation. Active, or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).
NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, angioedema or urticaria) in response to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Severe heart failure, hepatic failure and renal failure (see section 4.4).
During the last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6)
History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.
4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see section 4.2, and GI cardiovascular risks below).
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects
Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of coxibs and some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). Although data suggest that the use of naproxen (1000mg daily) may be associated with a lower risk, some risk cannot be excluded.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with naproxen after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).
Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation:
GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.
The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher
- with increasing NSAID doses
- in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3)
- in the elderly
- when used with alcohol
- in smoking
These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available. Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin, or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk (see below and section 4.5).
Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.
Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5).
When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving naproxen the treatment should be withdrawn.
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).
Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Impairment:
The administration of an NSAID may cause a dose dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and precipitate renal failure. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, cardiac impairment, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and the elderly. Renal function should be monitored in these patients (see also section 4.3).
Impaired renal function: Naproxen should be used with great caution where there is impairment of renal function as it is eliminated to a large extent (95%) via glomerular filtration; the monitoring of serum creatinine and/or creatinine clearance should be conducted in these patients. Naproxen is not recommended in patients having baseline creatinine clearance less than 20ml/minute.
Certain patients, specifically those whose renal blood flow is compromised, because of extracellular volume depletion, cirrhosis of the liver, sodium restriction, congestive heart failure, and pre-existing renal disease, should have renal function assessed before and during naproxen therapy. Some elderly patients in whom impaired renal function may be expected, as well as patients using diuretics, may also fall within this category. A reduction in daily dosage should be considered to avoid the possibility of excessive accumulation of naproxen metabolites in these patients.
Impaired liver function: Chronic alcoholic liver disease and probably also other forms of cirrhosis reduce the total plasma concentration of naproxen, but the plasma concentration of unbound naproxen is increased. The implication of this finding for naproxen dosing is unknown but it is prudent to use the lowest effective dose. The product should be used with caution in patients with a history of, or in those with impaired liver function.
Elderly:
The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal (see section 4.2)
Respiratory disorders:
Caution is required if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients.
SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see section 4.8).
Dermatological:
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Naproxen should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Impaired female fertilty:
The use of Naproxen may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Naproxen should be considered.
Anaphylactic (anaphylactoid) reactions:
Hypersensitivity reactions may occur in susceptible individuals. Anaphylactic (anaphylactoid) reactions may occur both in patients with and without a history of hypersensitivity or exposure to aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or naproxen-containing products. They may also occur in individuals with a history of angioedema, bronchospastic reactivity (eg asthma), rhinitis and nasal polyps.
Anaphylactoid reactions, like anaphylaxis, may have a fatal outcome.
Naproxen, in common with other NSAIDs, decreases platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time. This effect should be kept in mind when bleeding times are determined. Patients who have coagulation disorders, or who are receiving drug therapy that interferes with haemostasis, should be carefully observed if they are taking naproxen (see section 4.5). Patients on full anticoagulant therapy (eg heparin or warfarin) may be at an increased risk of bleeding if given naproxen concurrently. Therefore, the benefits should be weighed against these risks.
Mild peripheral oedema has been observed in a few patients. Although sodium retention has not been reported in metabolic studies, patients with questionable or compromised cardiac function may be at a greater risk when taking Naproxen.
This product contains potassium sorbate. Caution should be used in treating patients on a low potassium diet. High blood levels of potassium can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Sporadic abnormalities in laboratory tests (eg liver function tests) have occurred in patients on Naproxen therapy, but no definite trends indicating toxicity were seen in any test.
Steroids: If steroid dosage is reduced or eliminated during therapy, the steroid dosage should be reduced slowly and the patients must be observed closely for any evidence of adverse effects, including adrenal insufficiency and exacerbation of symptoms of arthritis.
Ocular effects: Studies have not shown changes in the eye attributable to naproxen administration. In rare cases, adverse ocular disorders including papillitis, retrobulbar optic neuritis and papilledema, have been reported in users of NSAIDs including naproxen, although a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be established; accordingly, patients who develop visual disturbances during treatment with naproxen-containing products should have an ophtalmological examination.
Combination with other NSAIDs: The combination of naproxen-containing products and others NSAIDs is not recommended, because of the cummulative risks of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse events.
The use of Naproxen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5).
The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of naproxen may reduce fever and inflammation, thereby diminishing their utility as diagnostic signs.
Interference in tests:
Naproxen therapy should be temporarily withdrawn 48 hours before adrenal function tests are performed as it may artifactually interfere with some tests for 17-ketogenic steroids. Similarly, naproxen may interfere with some assays of urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
Sporadic abnormalities in laboratory tests (e.g. liver function test) have occurred in patients on naproxen therapy, but no definite trend was seen in any test indicating toxicity.
Contains Lactose: Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction
• Naproxen is highly protein-bound hence patients receiving hydantoins, anticoagulants or a highly protein-bound sulphonamide should be closely monitored for signs of overdosage of these drugs. No interactions have been observed in clinical studies with naproxen and sulphonylureas, but caution is nevertheless advised since interaction has been seen with other non-steroidal agents of this class.
• NSAIDs, including naproxen, have been reported to increase steady state plasma lithium levels by inhibition of renal lithium clearance. Decreased elimination of lithium. It is recommended that these levels are monitored whenever initiating, adjusting or discontinuing naproxen.
• Anti-hypertensives: Reduced anti-hypertensive effect. Concomitant administration of naproxen with beta blockers such as propranolol may reduce their antihypertensive effect and may increase the risk of renal impairment associated with the use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
• Probenecid given concurrently increases naproxen plasma levels and extends its half-life considerably.
• Decreased elimination of methotrexate. Caution is advised when methotrexate is administered concurrently, due to the possible enhancement of its toxicity as naproxen, like other NSAIDs, has been reported to reduce tubular secretion of methotrexate in an animal model.
• The natriuretic effect of frusemide has been reported to be inhibited by some drugs of this class. Naproxen therapy should be temporarily withdrawn 48 hours before adrenal function tests are performed as it may artifactually interfere with some tests for 17-ketogenic steroids. Similarly, naproxen may interfere with some assays of urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
• NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma cardiac glycoside levels when co-administered with cardiac glycosides.
• As with all NSAIDs, caution is advised when ciclosporin is co-administered because of the increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
• NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effects of mifepristone.
• As with all NSAIDs, caution should be taken when co-administering with corticosteroids because of the increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see section 4.4).
• Patients taking quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
• Other analgesics including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs (including aspirin) as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4).
• Diuretics: Reduced diuretic effect. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
• Anti-coagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (see section 4.4).
• Quinolone antibiotics: Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
• Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRls): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).
• Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.
• Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk of haem arthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.
• Bisphosphonates: concomitant use of bisphosphonates and NSAIDs may increase the risk of gastric mucosal damage.
• Colestyramine: colestyramine delays the absorption of naproxen. Naproxen should be taken at least one hour before or four to six hours after colestyramine.
4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy:
Congenital abnormalities have been reported in association with NSAID administration in man; however, these are low in frequency and do not appear to follow any discernible pattern. In view of the known effects of NSAIDs on the foetal cardiovascular system (risk of closure of the ductus arteriosus), use in the last trimester of pregnancy is contraindicated. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child (see section 4.3). NSAIDs should not be used during the first two trimesters of pregnancy or labour unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.
Lactation:
In limited studies so far available, NSAIDs can appear in breast milk in very low concentrations. NSAIDs should, if possible, be avoided when breastfeeding.
See section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use, regarding female fertility.
4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
Undesirable effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue and visual disturbances are possible after taking NSAIDs. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
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*especially in patients with existing auto-immune disorders, such as system lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, with symptoms such as stiff neck headache, nausea, vomiting, fever and disorientation.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggests that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke (see section 4.4).
4.9 Overdose
a) Symptoms
Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, rarely diarrhoea, disorientation, excitation, coma, drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus, fainting, occasionally convulsions. In cases of significant poisoning acute renal failure and liver damage are possible.
b) Therapeutic measure
Patients should be treated symptomatically as required.
Within one hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount, activated charcoal should be considered. Alternatively, in adults, gastric lavage should be considered within one hour of ingestion of a potentially life-threatening overdose.
Good urine output should be ensured.
Renal and liver function should be closely monitored.
Patients should be observed for at least four hours after ingestion of potentially toxic amounts.
Frequent or prolonged convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam.
Other measures may be indicated by the patient's clinical condition.
5. Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.
Naproxen reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins primarily by inhibiting the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase. Naproxen has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity in a number of experimental models. Naproxen inhibits prostaglandin E2 synthesis in vitro by human rheumatoid synovial microsomes. It also inhibits prostaglandin E2 production by phytohaemagglutin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. At 10-4 M (23mg.1-1) naproxen inhibits neutral protease activity derived from human polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Naproxen also inhibits in vitro the activity of cathepsin-β and other hydrolytic enzymes derived from lysosomes. Naproxen is a potent in inhibitor of leucocyte migration and produces effects comparable to those of colchicine.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
Naproxen is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are attained 2-4 hours after ingestion. Plasma concentrations of naproxen increase proportionally with dose up to about 500mg daily; at higher doses there is an increase in clearance caused by saturation of plasma proteins. At therapeutic concentrations naproxen is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins and has a plasma half-life of about 13 hours. Approximately 95% of a dose is excreted in urine as naproxen and 6-O-desmethylnaproxen and their conjugates. Less than 3% of a dose has been recovered in the faeces. Naproxen crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List Of Excipients
Methacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymer (1:1)
Lactose
Magnesium stearate
Maize starch
Crospovidone
Propylene glycol
Sodium hydroxide
Triethyl citrate
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Potassium sorbate (E202)
Sodium citrate (E331)
Xanthan gum (E415)
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463)
Purified talc (E553)
Beeswax
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf Life
Shelf-life
36 months from the date of manufacture.
Shelf-life after dilution/reconstitution
Not applicable.
Shelf-life after first opening
Not applicable.
6.4 Special Precautions For Storage
Do not store above 25°C .
Store in the original package.
6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container
PVC/PVdC/Aluminium blister. Pack sizes of 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100, 112 tablets.
6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling
Not applicable.
Administrative Data
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder
Actavis UK Limited
(Trading style: Actavis)
Whiddon Valley
BARNSTAPLE
N Devon EX32 8NS
8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)
PL/0142/0438
9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation
31.1.00
Renewed – 23.03.09
10. Date Of Revision Of The Text
07.06.2011
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