Does Aleve Help Inflammation?

It is estimated that around 30 million people use NSAIDs daily. They are so popular that they account for 60% of the analgesic market in the United States.

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that treat pain, arthritis, and headaches in general.

Aleve, which goes by the generic name called Naproxen, is used to treat inflammation (pain, headache, swelling, heat) (Papa,V., Milazzo, G., Santocono, M., Servolle, V., Sourdille, P., Santiago, P.Y).

Does Aleve help Inflammation?

Prostaglandin is the substance in our body that causes pain and inflammation.

Some prostaglandins are produced at the places of injury and damage that cause inflammation.

Aleve works by blocking the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Barring these two enzymes reduces prostaglandin synthesis, ultimately leading to relief in pain and inflammation.       

So the simple answer to whether Aleve helps fight inflammation is yes it does help reduce or relieve it entirely and is a short-term drug.

Study

Study conducted at the Denver Arthritis Clinic by the University of Colorado compared Naproxen sodium and Ibuprofen to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.

It was a two identical double-blinded study that compared the use of these two medications along with placebo.

The patients (aged 25 and above) who were randomized and had knee and joint pains were given Naproxen and Ibuprofen separately, compared with another group who were just on placebo.

The study found out that both Naproxen and Ibuprofen showed better results in relieving pain than placebo.

Also, the tolerability was normal for most patients (Schiff M, Minic M).

How long does it take for Aleve to Work?

Aleve takes about 30 mins to show some effects by reducing pain and fever after taking Aleve.

However, it takes nearly an hour to reach its peak efficiency.

The effect of Aleve generally lasts somewhere between 8 to 12 hours.

Depending on your tolerance level, the duration may either reduce or increase slightly.

Generally the duration and effect vary from person to person depending on the body type.

Aleve Forms and Strengths

Aleve comes in caplets, liquid gels, gelcaps, and tablets.

Aleve that is available over-the-counter comes in the strength of 220 mg.

You can also buy Aleve online from certified online pharmacy.

For more power, you need a prescription from the doctor and can get 250 mg, 275 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, and 750 mg if the doctor feels the need.

Things to look out for before taking Aleve

It would be best if you tell your doctor about any pre-existing health conditions you have or had or any medications you are currently taking.

It is also crucial to inform them about any allergies, especially to other NSAIDs.

When you tell your doctor about your medical history, they will be able to carefully analyze and diagnose the correct dosage and medications required for your specific needs.

Also, if you drink alcohol, please avoid it as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Aleve Dosage

Aleve Dosage

Who can take Aleve?

Aleve can be used by people suffering from pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, and other inflammations.

It can also be used to reduce fever temporarily.

There are other reasons why Aleve is used that are not mentioned in this article.

People 12 years of age or older can use Aleve, and anyone under 12 needs a doctor’s prescription

Who cannot take Aleve?

Some conditions might hinder Aleve and pose the risks of side effects or other issues. Some conditions that may interfere with Aleve are listed below:

• Heart issues such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure
• Must take extra precautions if you smoke
• Have a history of stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding
• People who have Asthma
• People who have Kidney or liver issues
• If you take Aspirin
• Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant

It is not suitable to give Aleve to anyone younger than 12 years of age without a doctor’s prescription.     

Side effects

Every medication that ever exists also comes with some side effects. These may or may not affect you and varies from person to person. However, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have any side effects. We’ve listed some side effects that can be caused due to Aleve.

Some severe side effects are:

• Shortness of breath-(You may feel that you are out of your breadth even after a short exertion).
• People may get swelling of the body or may also gain weight.
• Some might even get a skin rash that may even be mild.
• Liver problems-(Nausea, stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, and jaundice are some side effects that may be caused to some people).
• People may also suffer from Anemia-(Low red blood cells that can lead to pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath).
• People might also be affected by severe skin reactions such as swelling, red or purple skin, or rash.

Some common side effects are:

• Indigestion
• Headache
• Itching
• Swelling
• Ringing in your ears

Not all side effects are mentioned in this article.

It is possible that other side effects may occur when on Aleve.

Tips to start Aleve

• Try to use the smallest effective dosage of Aleve.
• Drink a full glass of water with the pill.
• It is OK to take two pills in the first hour of your first dose but not after that.
• Avoid lying down for a minimum of 10 minutes after taking Aleve to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects.
• It’s best to take Aleve after eating some food

Conclusion

Aleve is an NSAID that helps to relieve inflammation and other conditions.

Unlike other NSAIDs, Aleve is a long-acting medication. You can get it over-the-counter at 220 mg dosage, and for a higher dosage, it is available with a prescription.

Aleve is readily available at local and online pharmacies.