Aleve Side Effects

Generic name: naproxen

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 8, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Aleve Side Effects associated with naproxen. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Aleve.

Applies to naproxen: oral capsule liquid filled, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet enteric coated, oral tablet extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; tablet, enteric coated; suspension)

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal.

This risk may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Naproxen is contraindicated in the setting of CABG surgery.

NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Elderly patients and patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.

Oral route (tablet, extended release; tablet)

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal.

This risk may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Naproxen sodium is contraindicated in the setting of CABG surgery.

NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal.

Elderly patients and patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.

Serious side effects of Aleve

Along with its needed effects, naproxen (the active ingredient contained in Aleve) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking naproxen:

More common

• belching
• bruising
• chest tightness
• difficult or labored breathing
• feeling of indigestion
• headache
• itching skin
• large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
• pain in the chest below the breastbone
• skin eruptions
• stomach pain
• swelling

Less common

• bloating
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• blurred or loss of vision
• burning upper stomach pain
• cloudy urine
• constipation
• decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• halos around lights
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• pale skin
• pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
• severe and continuing nausea
• severe stomach burning, cramping, or pain
• skin rash
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• trouble breathing
• tunnel vision
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
• weight loss

Rare

• anxiety
• back or leg pains
• bleeding gums
• blindness
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blood in the urine or stools
• blue lips and fingernails
• canker sores
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• chest pain or discomfort
• clay-colored stools
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• cough or hoarseness
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• cracks in the skin
• darkened urine
• decreased vision
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficult, fast, or noisy breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness
• dry cough
• dry mouth
• early appearance of redness, or swelling of the skin
• excess air or gas in the stomach
• eye pain
• fainting
• fever with or without chills
• fluid-filled skin blisters
• flushed, dry skin
• frequent urination
• fruit-like breath odor
• greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
• hair loss
• high fever
• hives
• increased hunger
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• increased volume of pale, dilute urine
• irregular breathing
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• late appearance of rash with or without weeping blisters that become crusted, especially in sun-exposed areas of skin, may extend to unexposed areas
• light-colored stools
• lightheadedness
• loss of heat from the body
• lower back or side pain
• nervousness
• nightmares
• no blood pressure
• no breathing
• no pulse
• nosebleeds
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pain in the ankles or knees
• pain or burning in the throat
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid, shallow breathing
• red, irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red-green color blindness
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
• scaly skin
• seizures
• severe sunburn
• shakiness
• skin thinness
• slurred speech
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
• sores, welting, or blisters
• spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
• stiff neck or back
• stomach cramps or tenderness
• stomach upset
• swelling in the legs and ankles
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• tiny bumps on the inner lining of the eyelid
• unexplained weight loss
• unpleasant breath odor
• watery or bloody diarrhea
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking naproxen:

Symptoms of overdose

• bleeding under the skin
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• muscle tremors
• restlessness
• sleepiness

Other side effects of Aleve

Some side effects of naproxen may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• hearing loss

Less common

• acid or sour stomach
• change in hearing
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• passing gas
• sensation of spinning
• stomach soreness or discomfort

Rare

• appetite changes
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• difficulty with moving
• discharge, excessive tearing
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• lack or loss of strength
• menstrual changes
• muscle aching, cramping, stiffness, or weakness
• not able to concentrate
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• swollen joints
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble getting pregnant
• trouble performing routine tasks
• trouble sleeping
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to naproxen: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral delayed release tablet, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, oral and topical kit.

General

The most frequently reported adverse events were headache, dyspepsia, nausea, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, and influenza-like syndrome.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatitis, jaundice
• Frequency not reported: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatosplenomegaly, liver function abnormality, SGOT increased, SGPT increased, elevated liver enzymes^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cognitive dysfunction, poor concentration
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Convulsions, stroke
• Frequency not reported: Paresthesia, lightheadedness, migraine, syncope, hypertonia, neuralgia, neuritis, amnesia, paralysis^[Ref]

Renal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Glomerular nephritis, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal papillary necrosis
• Frequency not reported: Kidney function abnormality, pyelonephritis, creatinine increased, glucosuria, albuminuria, BUN increased, renal failure, renal disease, kidney pain, nephrosclerosis, kidney failure, kidney calculus, nephropathy^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitations
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Vasculitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Arterial thrombotic events, myocardial infarction
• Frequency not reported: Hypertension, angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, deep thrombophlebitis, vasodilation, vascular anomaly, arrhythmia, bundle branch block, abnormal ECG, right heart failure, hemorrhage, aortic stenosis, tachycardia, congestive heart failure
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac failure^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hemolytic anemia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis
• Frequency not reported: Anemia, aplastic anemia, leukopenia, bleeding time increased, eosinophilia, abnormal RBC, abnormal WBC, neutropenia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Allergic reaction, anaphylactoid/anaphylaxis reaction, hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis, rash, skin eruptions, pruritus, purpura
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, photosensitivity
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, pseudo-porphyria
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa
• Frequency not reported: Angioneurotic edema/angioedema, angiodermatitis, dry skin, sweating, skin ulcer, acne, contact dermatitis, eczema, skin necrosis, subcutaneous nodule, photosensitive dermatitis, porphyria cutaneous tarda, nail disorder, epidermal necrosis, exfoliative dermatoses, bullous dermatoses, lichen planus
• Postmarketing reports: Erythema nodosum, fixed drug eruption, pustular reaction, bullous reactions^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, dyspnea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Aggravated asthma, eosinophilic pneumonitis
• Frequency not reported: Bronchitis, cough increased, asthma, pulmonary edema, laryngitis, lung disorder, epistaxis, pneumonia, respiratory distress, respiratory disorder, bronchospasm, sore throat^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Influenza-like syndrome (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Infection, edema, tinnitus, fatigue
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hearing impairment
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Aseptic meningitis
• Frequency not reported: Fever, accidental injury, asthenia, chest pain, peripheral edema, hearing disturbances, thirst, abscess, cellulitis, malaise, mucous membrane disorder, periodontal abscess, necrosis, aseptic meningitis, chills, weight increased, otitis media, deafness, ear disorder, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, vertigo, subdural hematoma, exacerbation of Parkinson's disease^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hyperkalemia
• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, anorexia, hypoglycemia, hypercholesteremia, alkalosis, dehydration, glucose tolerance increase, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Infertility^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspepsia (14%), heartburn, nausea, constipation
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pancreatitis
• Frequency not reported: Flatulence, gastritis, vomiting, dysphagia, stomatitis, abdomen enlarged, eructation, GI hemorrhage, rectal hemorrhage, aphthous, mouth ulcer, stomach ulcer, cardiospasm, colitis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, GI disorder, rectal disorder, tooth disorder, melena esophageal ulcer, hematemesis, non-peptic GI ulceration, ulcerative stomatitis, sialadenitis, colitis
• Postmarketing reports: Inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, perforation, obstruction, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hematuria
• Frequency not reported: Cystitis, monilia, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, nocturia, prostate disorder, urinary incontinence, menorrhagia, menstrual disorders, vaginitis, uterine spasm, urinary retention, urinary frequency, abnormal urine, pyuria, metrorrhagia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myalgia, muscle weakness
• Frequency not reported: Leg cramps, arthralgia, joint disorder, tendon disorder, neck rigid/pain, LE syndrome, myasthenia, bone disorder, spontaneous bone fracture, fibrotendinitis, bone pain, spasm, bursitis
• Postmarketing reports: Systemic lupus erythematosus^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbances
• Frequency not reported: Ptosis, amblyopia, scleritis, cataract, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, lacrimation disorder, eye pain, diplopia, retrobulbar optic neuritis
• Postmarketing reports: Corneal opacity, papillitis, papilledema^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Carcinoma, breast carcinoma, breast neoplasm, skin neoplasm^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Confusion
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression, dream abnormalities, mood alterations
• Frequency not reported: Insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, emotional lability, hallucinations^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• Can I take Meloxicam and Aleve or Tylenol together?
• Aleve vs Advil: What's the difference?
• What is Apronax called in the USA?
• Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• What is Caridoxen used for?
• Which painkiller should you use?
• How long does naproxen stay in your system?
• Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?

Further information

Aleve side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer