Rheumatoid arthritis

Kennedy2016

Hi

i have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I am waiting to see a rheumatoid specialist but I am told there is a long wait. In the meantime my doctor has prescribed naproxen which has considerably reduced the pain but I am not happy being on this medication long term. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience of using naproxen long term

noddingtonpete

Hello @Kennedy2016 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and waiting to see a specialist. I also understand that you have been prescribed naproxen and looking for others experiences. Have a look through the following which might be of help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/painkillers-and-nsaids/?_ga=2.145022964.1172984448.1675067830-1619426578.1662392469&_gac=1.149265604.1675069009.Cj0KCQiAj9iBBhCJARIsAE9qRtC-vTDDKQuKOi2NlhR0H0hNNlFYRwx0L9mUB7_ZXTUnHv7biPGJyUsaAuoNEALw_wcB

Please keep posting and I am sure others will connect and share their support and experiences as well. You could also try searching the Community for naproxen, just use the magnifying glass top right and it will bring up all previous discussions on naproxen.

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

frogmorton

Hi @Kennedy2016

Nice to meet you.

Sorry about your recent diagnosis and the long wait you are having before you can start on some medications to dampen down your symptoms properly.

Now I can't take Naproxen it gives me the runs😳 as do most anti-inflammatory medications too many years of taking ibuprofen I'm afraid. A lot of people here do swear by it though. I take a COX2 inhibitor one instead which is similar, but slightly more gentle on the stomach.

Those who take regular NSAIDs like naproxen are often prescribed a PPI to protect their stomachs from the damage which can be caused through longer term use of them. I take lansoprazole some take omeprazole.

Take care and if you want any tips for your first rheumatology apt when you get the date shout and we'll all help.

Toni

Rina

Hi @Kennedy2016 , just wanted to add that I take naproxen and I make sure that I take lanzaprazole first ( about half an hour before) and then eat something just before I take the naproxen. I know it’s not supposed to be good long term but I figure it’s the better of two evils 🤷‍♀️

All the best, Rina

Fran54

Hi @Kennedy2016

My doctor prescribed me Naproxen back in July 2021 for Osteoarthritis in my right knee and was also prescribed Omeprazole to take as well to protect the stomach lining ( I have been prescribed to take the Naproxen twice a day and Omeprazole once a day after meals ). Initially I was told to take them only when I really needed to, which was not all the time. I saw my doctor last week regarding my knee as over the last 6 months the pain/stiffness has increased considerably and making me less mobile. I have now been taking them almost on a daily basis as this does help me to do my physio exercises more comfortably. I asked him if it was ok. for me to still take them long term and was told that was ok. For me they help a lot and keep me fairly mobile to try and have some semblance of a normal life, whatever that may be! I hope this helps.

Take care.😊

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/59448/rheumatoid-arthritis

Hi kennedy2016.

I have a similar story. Diagnosed with RA last year. Whilst I was waiting to see Rheumatologist my G P gave me Naproxen.

I have only recently stopped taking it. I told my Consultant I didn’t want to take it anymore, as it was affecting me getting off to sleep at night. I am on Salphasalazine which is an arthritis drug. And I take paracetamol. I still get pain, but I’m hoping an increase recently of the meds I am on, will mean the pain will be less. I was lucky I only waited about six weeks for a hospital appointment. Now I am in the system I get follow ups. I have also had three lots of steroids, which are amazing, but you can’t stay on them long term. Hope you get seen at the hospital soon, and start treatment. Naproxen are helpful, continue with them for now, until you have seen the consultant. Did they give you some tablets along side the naproxen to keep your tummy from getting inflamed?