Ibuprofen vs naproxen

Goldfinch

Is naproxen stronger/more effective than ibuprofen, or just longer lasting? Given that I only get 14 naproxen tablets on prescription, it’s a very expensive option. I only take them when I have painful flare-ups (as don’t want to use them for more than 3 days as stomach lining tablets upset my stomach, and are another expense) but these are quite frequent! So will ibuprofen do the same job if I take them regularly (short term)? Thanks.

Skinny Keef

Hi Goldfinch, in my experience Naproxen is a lot stronger. Before going on it I was on otc pain killers and the Naproxen / Cocodamol combination really calmed things down, for a while.

Goldfinch

Thank you @Keef . How long do you find it takes to calm everything down, on average? And do you take them until all inflammation gone or just when eased? Trying to find the right pattern!

Skinny Keef

Sorry, too long ago to remember accurately.

i can remember being in tears on the otc pills and then not being once given the prescription.

stickywicket

Is this any help? https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/naproxen-ibuprofen-difference-3117722/

helpline_team

 

Hi @Goldfinch

Thank you for posting on the online community

Everyone is different when it comes to taking medications as are their experiences, as we are not medically trained on the helpline, it would be best to talk to your GP or pharmacist for further advice.

Thank you @stickywicket and @Keef for your comments, which I hope you found helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/painkillers-and-nsaids/

Best wishes

Lynda

Helpline Advisor