What is Aleve?

ALEVE is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that provides relief for a variety of conditions (scroll down for a list of indications).

ALEVE is the nonprescription strength of Anaprox ^®, a fast-acting form of the medicine in Naprosyn ^®, the Number 1 selling brand in its class (anti-arthritics) for many years.

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What is ALEVE effective for?

• minor pain of arthritis
• headache
• muscular aches
• toothache
• backache
• common cold
• menstrual cramps
• temporarily reduces fever

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What is the advantage of using ALEVE over other pain relievers?

ALEVE can provide relief from tough pain with just two pills.

ALEVE is available without a prescription, so it's easy to get relief that lasts all day, without the necessity of seeing a doctor.

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How does ALEVE work?

ALEVE works by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins play a direct role in pain and inflammation.

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Is ALEVE an anti-inflammatory?

ALEVE belongs to a class of drugs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, (NSAIDs), which work at the site of pain.

The active ingredient in ALEVE has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits when used at prescription dosages, under the supervision of a physician. If you think you may have inflammation due to an injury or condition, see your doctor.

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How is ALEVE different from the prescription drug Naprosyn ^®?

Naprosyn contains naproxen and is only available with a prescription.

Naprosyn is indicated for treatment of chronic (continuing) pain and inflammation.

ALEVE is indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains.

ALEVE is available over-the-counter (OTC), so you can easily get strong, long-lasting relief without a prescription.

ALEVE contains the fast-acting, OTC form of the medicine in Naprosyn.

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How is ALEVE different from the prescription drug Anaprox ^®?

ALEVE is the nonprescription strength of the medicine in the prescription drug Anaprox - the product prescribed by doctors more than any other to relieve menstrual pain.

Anaprox is the fast-acting form of the medicine in Naprosyn (see previous question for indications).

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Is ALEVE a high-sodium drug?

Each ALEVE caplet or tablet contains only 20 mg of sodium (salt) and is classified as "low sodium" under U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

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What is the Aleve "Easy Open Arthritis Cap"?

To help its consumers with arthritis , Aleve developed the new "Easy Open Arthritis Cap" that has been commended by the Arthritis Foundation for its ease of use. Rather than pushing in the sides of the bottle and then turning the cap, now you only need to twist the "Easy Open Arthritis Cap" to open. No changes have been made to the product itself, which remains very effective for the relief of minor arthritis pain. (Note: This package is not child resistant.)

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What is the active ingredient in ALEVE?

Naproxen sodium, 220 mg. ALEVE contains 200 mg of naproxen and 20 mg of sodium (salt) to help your body absorb ALEVE more quickly. It helps you feel pain relief faster than with naproxen alone.

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What is the history of ALEVE?

ALEVE was introduced in June, 1994, as the fast-acting, over-the-counter (OTC) form of the ingredient in the prescription drug Naprosyn ^®, a pain reliever doctors have prescribed and trusted for nearly 25 years.

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Does ALEVE contain aspirin?

NO. ALEVE does not contain aspirin.

ALEVE should not be taken with aspirin, aspirin-containing products or any other pain reliever/fever reducer, unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Do not take ALEVE if you have had either hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock after taking any pain reliever/fever reducer. You may have a serious reaction.

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Does ALEVE contain ibuprofen?

NO. ALEVE does not contain ibuprofen.

ALEVE should not be taken with ibuprofen or any other pain reliever, unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Do not take ALEVE if you have had either hives, facial swelling, asthma, or shock after taking any pain reliever/fever reducer. You may have a serious reaction.

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Does ALEVE contain acetaminophen?

NO. ALEVE does not contain acetaminophen.

ALEVE should not be taken with acetaminophen or any other pain reliever unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Do not take ALEVE if you have had either hives, facial swelling, asthma, or shock after taking any pain reliever/fever reducer. You may have a serious reaction.

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Does ALEVE contain caffeine?

NO. Unlike some other over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, ALEVE does not contain caffeine.

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Does ALEVE contain sodium (salt)?

Each ALEVE tablet, caplet, and gelcap contains 20 mg of sodium to speed up pain relief, and is classified as "low sodium" under FDA guidelines.

The active ingredient in ALEVE (the ingredient in Naprosyn) is combined with sodium to make it easier for the body to absorb.

Easier absorption makes ALEVE a faster-acting form than naproxen alone, so pain relief occurs more quickly.

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Does ALEVE contain codeine?

NO. ALEVE does not contain codeine.

ALEVE should not be taken with codeine or any codeine-containing product except under the supervision of a doctor.

ALEVE is a non-narcotic pain reliever.

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What are the daily and maximum doses for adults?

Take one tablet, caplet, gelcap, or capsule every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last. For the first dose, you may take 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps, or capsules within the first hour.

Do not exceed 2 tablets, caplets, gelcaps or capsules in any 8- to 12-hour period and do not exceed 3 tablets, caplets, gelcaps, or capsules in a 24-hour period. The smallest effective dose should be used. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.

Do not take longer than 10 days, unless directed by a doctor.

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What's the dose for children under 12?

Do not give this product to children under age 12, except under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

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Should I take ALEVE with food or liquid?

A full glass of water is required. Milk or food will not significantly interfere with the strong, long-lasting pain relief that ALEVE can provide.

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Is it okay to take ALEVE before or after surgery?

Discuss this issue with your doctor to get the answer that's right for your needs. Only he or she is best qualified to answer this question.

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Why do ALEVE's bottle and cap look different?

The ALEVE cap was specifically designed to be both child-resistant yet convenient to open for adults. Whereas many package caps require a certain amount of strength or force to open, the unique design of the ALEVE cap only requires a simple, simultaneous two-fingered pinch that leads to the cap twisting off with ease.

The ALEVE easy-to-open, Safety SQUEASE ^® bottle has a unique shape to make it distinctive and allow the package to fit comfortably in the hand.

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Has the ALEVE package been tested by the Arthritis Foundation ^®?

YES. The ALEVE cap was tested and received the Arthritis Foundation Commendation Seal. The cap also passed the strict guidelines and test protocol of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for child-resistant packaging.

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Why is there no cotton in the ALEVE bottle?

The ALEVE bottle was designed to provide easy access to the tablets, caplets or gelcaps. We found that removing the cotton plug helped to maximize this access. In addition, studies indicate that cotton was not needed to protect the tablets and caplets from damage during shipping.

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Why do some ALEVE bottles have a fold-out label?

Our smaller size bottles (20 pills, 24 pills and 50 pills per bottle) have a fold-out label. This fold-out label provides more room to print directions and warnings. Also, the label uses a larger print size so important information can bemore easily read.

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Can ALEVE ^® be taken with other medications?

Interactions from using any two drugs at the same time are possible. (Interactions are the effects that result from using two drugs at the same time; one may make the other less effective or cause mild to serious side effects.)

Speak with your doctor before taking ALEVE if you are currently taking other drugs.

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Can ALEVE be taken with other over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such aspirin, Tylenol ^®, or Advil ^®?

No pain reliever, including ALEVE, should be taken while using any of these products unless directed to do so by your doctor. If you are taking aspirin on a daily basis, check with your doctor before using any other pain relief product.

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What are some of ALEVE's possible side effects?

Most drugs have some side effects, and ALEVE is no different. Mild stomach upset and heartburn arepossible side effects.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have more than mild stomach upset or heartburn that occurs with useof ALEVE or if mild symptoms persist.

ALEVE may also cause allergic reactions (see next FAQ for more information).

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Can ALEVE cause allergic reactions?

Yes. If you have ever had hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), or shock after taking a pain reliever or fever reducer, do not take ALEVE. You may have a serious reaction.

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Can I drink alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, or liquor) while I'm taking ALEVE?

If you generally consume 3 or more alcohol-containing beverages per day, consult your physician for advice on when and how you should take ALEVE or any other pain relievers.

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Is it all right to use ALEVE while pregnant or nursing?

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use naproxen sodium during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

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Can I take ALEVE if I have Diabetes?

Speak with your doctor before adding any drug to your current medication(s). Some oral medications used by people with non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes may interact with ALEVE.

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How long can I take ALEVE?

Do not take ALEVE for more than 10 days for pain, or for more than 3 days for fever, except under the direction and supervision of a doctor.

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Does ALEVE have a dosing advantage over other pain relievers?

ALEVE ^® is simpler to use than other common, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers because just two ALEVE provide relief that can last all day.

Compare it! Based on labelled dosing, you could take eight Extra Strength Tylenol ^® or four Advil ^® to get the same all-day relief as just two ALEVE.

And, two ALEVE cost about one-fourth the price of eight Extra Strength Tylenol and one-half that of four Advil, per day.

Click on our Compare Costs section to test the value of ALEVE against other pain relievers.

What is the difference between a tablet and a caplet?

The only difference is in the shape. Both the tablets and caplets contain the same amount of medicine. Some people find that an oval caplet is easier to swallow, while others prefer the round tablet shape.

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What is Opadry?

Opadry is the brand name for the water-based film coating used for ALEVE.

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Is ALEVE Kosher?

Unfortunately, we can not guarantee this product to be kosher due to raw materials supplied by a variety of vendors.

Please note, the gelatin in the Aleve Liquid Gels and Smooth Gels is derived from both pork and bovine (cow/beef). It is the main ingredient in the gelatin shell.

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How does the medical profession view ALEVE?

ALEVE is the number one over-the-counter (OTC) brand physicians recommend for menstrual pain.1 (Physicians refer to this condition as dysmenorrhea.)

ALEVE is the OTC dose of the ingredient in the prescription product Anaprox ^®, the product prescribed by doctors more than any other to relieve menstrual pain.

1NDTI: Diagnosis, Moving Annual Total, 5/00

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Do you have an 800 number, if I have more questions?

YES. ALEVE encourages direct consumer input via a toll- free telephone number: 1-800-395-0689.

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