How to take naproxen for period pain
Period pain can be really tough. If you get painful cramps during your period, it can be enough to stop you from working, studying or going about your daily tasks as normal, which can have a big impact on your life.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage period pain. If your cramps are preventing you from carrying on as normal, this could be a sign that you need some help - speak to your pharmacist or GP about possible causes and potential treatment options.
In some cases, period pain can be caused or exacerbated by an underlying condition such as fibroids, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is known as secondary dysmenorrhoea. If this affects you, then treatment might involve addressing the underlying health condition.
Sometimes, though, period pain has no obvious cause - this is classed as primary dysmenorrhoea. Treatments for primary dysmenorrhoea usually centre around easing pain symptoms, and one example of this is by taking medications containing naproxen, such as Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets.
How to take naproxen for period cramps
Below, we answer questions about how to take Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets to help you understand this form of treatment. Other medications containing naproxen may need to be taken differently, so always check the patient information leaflet for your specific medication to be certain.
How much naproxen can I take for period pain?
When taking Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets, it’s important to make sure you get the dosage right.
On the first day you take Ultravana®, you should take two tablets (a total of 500 mg of naproxen) for the initial dose. After six to eight hours have passed, you can then take another tablet (250 mg of naproxen) if you feel the need to.
Going forward on the second and third day, you should take one tablet only (250 mg of naproxen) at a time, with a gap of at least six hours between doses. Never take more than three tablets within a 24-hour period.
Remember! If your symptoms have eased, there’s no need to continue taking Ultravana®. Taking the smallest dose for the shortest duration can help to reduce your risk of side effects.
How long can you take naproxen for period pain?
Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets shouldn’t be taken for longer than three consecutive days. You can expect to take a maximum of nine tablets within a single menstrual period, which is reflected in the pack size.
Who should not take naproxen for period pain?
Although Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets can be safely taken by many of us, there are some people who should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking this medication. This includes you if:
- You’re allergic to naproxen or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
- You have or have ever had stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal bleeding)
- You’re allergic to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or you’ve developed signs of asthma (wheezing), a runny nose or a rash when taking these medications. (NSAIDs, a type of painkiller. Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as prescription painkillers such as diclofenac, meloxicam and mefenamic acid. Ask your pharmacist if you’re uncertain.)
- You have severe heart, kidney or liver failure
- You are in the last three months of pregnancy.
Ultravana® is only recommended for women between the ages of 15 and 50; those outside of this age range should speak to a pharmacist about alternative treatment options.
It’s also recommended that you should use Ultravana® with caution if you:
- Have asthma, diabetes or high cholesterol
- Have or have ever had high blood pressure, a stroke or any heart, liver or kidney problems
- Are a smoker or are alcohol dependent
- Have gastrointestinal disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue disorders
- Are breastfeeding
- Think you may be pregnant, or are trying to conceive
- Have any blood clotting disorders.
If all that seems like a lot to remember, don’t worry. Before you buy Ultravana®, you’ll complete a short consultation with a pharmacist, and this will highlight any risk factors you may have. This is to help ensure you only take this medication if it’s right for you.
Can you drink alcohol with naproxen?
It’s fine to drink alcohol while taking naproxen, but be aware that drinking too much could irritate your stomach and make you feel worse. If you experience unwanted side effects when drinking alcohol after taking naproxen, stop immediately.
What other painkillers can I take with naproxen for period pain?
If your period pain is stopping you from getting on with life as normal, you might be tempted to ‘double up’ on painkillers in order to ease your symptoms. It’s important to speak with a pharmacist or GP before doing so, however, as different medications can prevent each other from working or make it more likely that you’ll experience side effects.
Ultravana® shouldn’t be taken with any other medication, unless it’s been advised by a pharmacist or doctor. You should especially avoid taking Ultravana® alongside other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, or aspirin, because this can lead to an increased risk of unpleasant side effects.
If you do need to take another painkiller while using Ultravana®, consider over-the-counter paracetamol or co-codamol, but only for a short period of time. Alternatively, you can try to relieve your period cramps with gentle exercise or using a hot water bottle. Always use a towel or cloth around a hot water bottle to prevent scalds.
Ultravana® can be an effective choice to relieve period pain (primary dysmenorrhoea). If you think Ultravana® might be right for you, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or begin our online consultation to check if the treatment is suitable for your needs.
Ultravana® Period Pain Relief 250 mg Gastro-resistant tablets. Naproxen. For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. Always read the label.
