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Vimovo vs. Naproxen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Naproxen/esomeprazole and Naprosyn (naproxen) are both used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Naproxen/esomeprazole is a combination of naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The esomeprazole component helps protect your stomach from ulcers and irritation caused by naproxen. On the other hand, Naprosyn is just naproxen and does not include any stomach-protecting ingredients. Because of this, naproxen/esomeprazole might be a better option if you have a history of stomach issues. However, it has more potential interactions due to the esomeprazole component. Both medications can cause serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, but naproxen/esomeprazole has additional risks related to esomeprazole. These include nutrient imbalances and bone fractures. Naprosyn is available in various forms, including tablets and liquid suspension, while naproxen/esomeprazole is only available as a tablet.

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Vimovo

(naproxen / esomeprazole)

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Naproxen

(Naprosyn)

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Summary for Vimovo

Prescription only

Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a combination medication for people age 12 years and older who have arthritis. It contains naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves arthritis symptoms like joint pain and swelling. This combination medication also contains the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole to protect against damage to the stomach from naproxen. Vimovo (naproxen / esomeprazole) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects can include inflammation of the stomach lining and diarrhea.

Indications for Vimovo

Pros and Cons for Vimovo

Pros

  • Works well to relieve pain and swelling from arthritis
  • Helps protect against stomach irritation and ulcers from naproxen without needing to take another pill

Cons

  • Must take twice a day, each time at least 30 minutes before a meal
  • Has many serious risks from both naproxen and esomeprazole ingredients
  • Less flexible for dose adjustments since it's a fixed combination of two ingredients

Common Side Effects for Vimovo

  • Inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and loss of appetite (gastritis, 17%)
  • Diarrhea (6%)

Warnings for Vimovo

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Liver damage
  • High blood pressure, heart failure, and fluid buildup in the body
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe allergic reaction or skin reaction
  • Abnormal nutrient and electrolyte levels
  • Bone fracture
  • Lupus
  • Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Naproxen

Prescription only

Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.

Indications for Naproxen

Pros and Cons for Naproxen

Pros

  • Works well for treating pain and inflammation
  • Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills

Cons

  • Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
  • Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
  • Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

Common Side Effects for Naproxen

The following side effects were reported in 3-9% of people in clinical studies:

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Itchy skin
  • Bruising
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Swelling
  • Shortness of breath

Warnings for Naproxen

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females

Prices with our coupons for Vimovo vs. Naproxen

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Naproxen/Esomeprazole DR60 tablets / 500mg/20mg
$128.03$2,289.03
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Price Card Drug Icon
Naproxen30 tablets / 500mg
$13.53-
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