Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Oxaprozin is a nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, andinflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers ofmild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the response todifferent NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not unusual for adoctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.

PREPARATIONS: tablet: 600mg

STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container, avoidmoisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Oxaprozin is used for the treatment ofinflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis andosteoarthritis.

DOSING: Should be taken with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Oxaprozin should be avoided by patients witha history of asthma exacerbation, hives, or other allergic reactions toaspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have beenreported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients withpeptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication canaggravate both conditions. Oxaprozin is generally used with caution inpatients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding. Patientstaking lithium can develop toxic blood lithium levels. Patients takingcyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. Use in children hasnot been adequately studied. Oxaprozin is not habit forming. NSAIDs shouldbe discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild interferencewith clotting that is characteristic of this group of medicines. Oxaprozinis best discontinued at least five days in advance of the procedure.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are atincreased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking ibuprofen or otherNSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Oxaprozin is generally avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Oxaprozin is generally avoided in nursingmothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from oxaprozin and otherNSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, andgenerally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use thelowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common sideeffects of oxaprozin involve the gastrointestinal system. It can causeulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even seriousgastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarrystools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, andlightheadedness can also occur.