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Important Notice: The Forum does not endorse any medical
product or therapy. ALL medications and supplements
should be taken ONLY under the supervision of a physician,
due to the possibility of side-effects, drug interactions,
etc.
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Name:
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Naproxen
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Other Names:
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Aleve™, Anaprox™, Naprosyn™
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Therapy Types:
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pharmacological
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Mechanisms:
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Anti-inflammatory
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Development Status:
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investigational in U.S.
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FDA Phase:
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Discontinued
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Primary Medical Role:
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Approved by FDA in 1994 as an over the counter (OTC)
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAIDs). It relieves
pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis
(rheumatism), osteoarthritis, and juvenile (childhood)
arthritis. Naproxen is also effective in treating other
mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain,
premenstrual discomfort, and pain following surgery or
childbirth.
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Role in Alzheimer's Disease:
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May be useful in the treatment of the inflammatory process
in Alzheimer's disease.
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Pharmacological Role:
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A non-selective NSAIDs, inhibits prostaglandin production.
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Contraindications:
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Patients with active peptic ulcers or active inflammatory
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Aspirin allergy.
3rd trimester pregnancy.
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Side Effects:
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Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as perforation,
ulceration, and bleeding can occur.
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Evidence pro its efficacy:
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The evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDs) help Alzheimer's patients have been
retrospective. In other words, certain flaws in the
ointments exist. However, these studies suggest that the
progression of Alzheimer's disease is delayed in those
taking NSAIDs. Incidence in these patients is described as
being cut as much as in half.
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Evidence con its efficacy:
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No prospective, randomized, carefully-performed study that
has been performed has shown any efficacy of NSAIDs in
treating Alzheimer's disease.
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Companies:
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Proctor & Gamble, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Syntex Roche Ireland
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Notes:
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See ARF news published
on 22 Dec 2004 regarding the decision by National
Institute on Aging to halt the Alzheimer’s Disease
Antiinflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT), in part
because “Preliminary information from the study showed
some evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events,
when compared to placebo, to patients taking naproxen”.
See also news from
the 2002 World Alzheimer Congress. See Medline Plus Drug
Information: Naproxen [MedMaster] and
Anti-inflammatory Drugs,
Nonsteroidal (Systemic) [USP DI].
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Imbimbo BP. The potential role of non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs in treating Alzheimer's disease. Expert
Opin Investig Drugs. 2004 Nov ;13(11):1469-81. Abstract
Jacoby R. Rofecoxib or naproxen do not slow progression of
mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Evid Based Ment
Health. 2003 Nov ;6(4):110. Abstract
Aisen PS, Schafer KA, Grundman M, Pfeiffer E, Sano M,
Davis KL, Farlow MR, Jin S, Thomas RG, Thal LJ, . Effects
of rofecoxib or naproxen vs placebo on Alzheimer disease
progression: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003 Jun
4;289(21):2819-26. Abstract
Flynn BL, Theesen KA. Pharmacologic management of
Alzheimer
disease part III: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs--
emerging protective evidence? Ann Pharmacother. 1999 Jul-
Aug;33(7-8):840-9. Abstract
Stewart WF, Kawas C, Corrada M, Metter EJ. Risk of
Alzheimer's disease and duration of NSAID use. Neurology.
1997 Mar;48(3):626-32. Abstract
Fiebich BL, Lieb K, Hull M, Berger M, Bauer J. Effects of
NSAIDs on IL-1 beta-induced IL-6 mRNA and protein synthesis
in human astrocytoma cells. Neuroreport. 1996 Apr 26;7
(6):1209-13. Abstract
Rich JB, Rasmusson DX, Folstein MF, Carson KA, Kawas C,
Brandt J. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in
Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 1995 Jan;45(1):51-5. Abstract
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