Oxaprozin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Oxaprozin is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children who are at least 6 years old.

Oxaprozin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Oxaprozin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use oxaprozin just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Oxaprozin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Oxaprozin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Take oxaprozin at around the time(s) each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxaprozin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Oxaprozin doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

If you use oxaprozin long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store oxaprozin at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Oxaprozin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Oxaprozin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using oxaprozin, especially in older adults.

You should not use oxaprozin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active bleeding in your stomach or intestines; or

• a history of asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• fluid retention.

If you are pregnant, you should not take oxaprozin unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Oxaprozin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking oxaprozin.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to oxaprozin (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Oxaprozin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Oxaprozin may cause serious side effects. Stop using oxaprozin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of oxaprozin may include:

• nausea, upset stomach;

• diarrhea, constipation; or

• rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask your doctor before using oxaprozin if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• glyburide;

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• pemetrexed;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect oxaprozin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking oxaprozin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.