OTC Naproxen in Canada

[BJH]

Just in time for marathon season. Except in BC.

http://aleve.ca/en/index.html

[Samantha]

Where was this last year when I didn't have benefits!

[eme]

Please be very careful taking Naproxen - this is the drug that did in my stomach.

I was taking it prior to my knee surgery (injury Apr 2005, surgery Nov 2006) and I stopped taking it in Oct 2006 - I am still dealing with stomach issues.

[Doonst]

That's so last month! I'm on my third bottle, a big one this time. Many stores have the 24 size out, and the 100's behind the counter. Gobble gobble.

[VeloCarrie]

Please be very careful taking Naproxen - this is the drug that did in my stomach.

I was just going to post that. Please take as directed and watch out with all vigilance any side effects, especially stomach issues. It's also not a great idea to mix different forms of NSAIDS at the same time. If you took 2 Advils at lunch and they didn't work, it's not a smart thing to take an Aleve a hour or two later. You are really piling up the chances that side effects are going to happen. Wait out the recommended 4 hours, then try something else. If two works, four is not going to work better.

Sorry about the OTC soapbox. I am also a user of OTCs, but you wouldn't believe the amount of emergency cases that come through related to (somewhat innocent) OTC uses of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and prescription naproxen. Not pretty.

ETA: Just read Doonst's post. Picturing House, MD and the Vicodins . . .

[La]

I had a stash that I bought my last few trips to the US. Glad I won't have to worry about contraband now! It works quite well for me with no stomach issues. I do take it as directed, and never take it as a preventative before a run; only after.

[ultraslacker]

Forgive my ignorance, but how is Naproxen different from other OTC NSAIDs? Is it just that it's stronger?

[La]

Forgive my ignorance, but how is Naproxen different from other OTC NSAIDs? Is it just that it's stronger?

I don't think it's stronger (maybe it is?), just different. And different people respond differently to medications, so what works for one might not work for another.

[ultraslacker]

Forgive my ignorance, but how is Naproxen different from other OTC NSAIDs? Is it just that it's stronger?

I don't think it's stronger (maybe it is?), just different. And different people respond differently to medications, so what works for one might not work for another.

then why wasn't it OTC before? :) Is it new?

[Doonst]

It ain't easy being me!

I go running for the shelter
of my runners little helper

It sort of feels like this

[Samantha]

Forgive my ignorance, but how is Naproxen different from other OTC NSAIDs? Is it just that it's stronger?

I don't think it's stronger (maybe it is?), just different. And different people respond differently to medications, so what works for one might not work for another.

then why wasn't it OTC before? Is it new?

it's been available by prescription for years.

I think it's stronger than other otc nsaids but I could be wrong.

[Samantha]

I just took one! Mine was prescription tho.

[Doonst]

I just took two! Goes great with ale!

[Samantha]

I just took two! Goes great with ale!

I did actually take it for a reason. Not just for fun.

[turd ferguson]

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all

[La]

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all

That's on my new playlist for my car. The title is fitting.

[turd ferguson]

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all

That's on my new playlist for my car. The title is fitting.

I don't have the Jefferson Airplane version (I find it rather unmusical) but I do have a version by Blue Man Group with Esthero doing the vocals - awesome song.

[jgore]

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all

My last week of work in a lab in Kingston one of the oldies radio stations played the Jefferson Airplane version 3 times in one day.


BACK TO THE THREAD TOPIC

I have nothing whatsoever to say about Naproxen.

[UltraQueenga]

First time I popped a few Aleve was after Haliburton. I took 2 a couple of hours after the race to calm my legs. They were still on the run and the restlessness was driving me crazy. No real pain to speak of, but restlessness and stiffness. The Aleve worked fine and definitely helped along the dreaded 4hr drive home. Then at home I popped another one for the night and when I popped one on Monday, I noticed a slight pain in my stomach and liver area, so I didn't take any more. I've been warned about the stomach pain side effects. Anyway, I guess I'd take it again, but just once in a while after a big race and no more than once or twice in a day. I would definitely not want to race with them.
Glad to hear now they are available OTC here, too.

[richie-rich]

the cumulative effects of OTC's on your liver and kidneys can't be good - just IMHO. i take them only when absolutely necessary

[Nature Girl]

Guess who's going shopping tomorrow?

[RonPerth]

pretty interesting responses. Doonst convinced me. Ok seriously, I may try one to see if it would help as a last-resort-before-dropping-pill. Though I have always felt that Helen Malmbert's advice to sit at an aid station for half an hour should be your last resort before dropping out. Lately I've been experimenting a little with Robaxicet, the otc back pain med. This is because I get such tight and sore and hurting neck, shoulders and upper arms sometimes, especially when cold. (Don't tell me to keep warm; it leads to wrong decisions) Shouldn't be bad for the calves either, I hope. Trouble is, I usually don't need this kind of thing until my stomach is shut down and it doesn't get into my system anyway. What I really need is Helen's prescription, come to think about it.

Ron

[KBO]

Should I admit out loud how many various painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs I took on Sunday during the Chicago marathon just to get through? I seem to have come through unscathed in terms of stomach issues, kidney failure, etc. But man oh man, it's three days later and my leg is sure a mess. Glad I didn't feel it when it was happening.

I admit, not smart, but what's done is done.

[Spirit Unleashed]

The company I work for makes this product and I can buy it at about half the cost of the store. Just got my first shipment yesterday!

[moof324]

Forgive my ignorance, but how is Naproxen different from other OTC NSAIDs? Is it just that it's stronger?

Holly, I don't know the drug info behind it, but it's awesome at relieving cramps--I choose 2 aleve over prescription strength ibuprofin any day! It works fast and is strong without immediate side effects, although it does have serious stomach issue warnings after long-term regular use.