Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
Vimovo contains naproxen, an NSAID that can increase the risk of serious heart problems such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
These problems can happen without warning and may be fatal.
The risk may be higher if you already have heart disease, have cardiovascular risk factors, take higher NSAID doses, or use the medication for a long time.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time recommended by your healthcare provider.
Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding
Vimovo can cause serious stomach or intestinal problems, including:
- Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Perforation, or a hole in the stomach or intestine
These problems can occur at any time and may happen without warning symptoms.
The risk is higher in older adults and in people with a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Tell your healthcare provider if you also take blood thinners, corticosteroids, aspirin, or other NSAIDs because these medicines may further increase the risk of bleeding.
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Vimovo if you are allergic to naproxen, esomeprazole, omeprazole, or any of the medication’s ingredients.
You should also not take Vimovo if you have previously developed asthma, hives, or another serious allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop swelling of the face or throat, hives, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
Heart Bypass Surgery
Vimovo should not be used to treat pain before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery because NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications.
Kidney Problems
Vimovo can cause new or worsening kidney problems.
The risk may be higher if you:
- Already have kidney disease
- Have heart failure
- Are dehydrated
- Take diuretics or certain blood pressure medications
Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidney function during treatment.
Vimovo should generally be avoided in people with advanced kidney disease unless the expected benefits outweigh the risks.
Liver Problems
Vimovo can affect liver function.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease or develop symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, or persistent nausea.
Vimovo should be avoided in severe liver impairment, and a lower dose may be considered in mild to moderate liver impairment.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure
Naproxen can raise blood pressure or make existing high blood pressure harder to control.
It may also cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood pressure and watch for swelling, shortness of breath, or sudden weight gain during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Vimovo can interact with many medications.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you use.
Important interactions may occur with:
- Blood thinners
- Aspirin
- Other NSAIDs
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Some HIV medications, including rilpivirine-containing products
Do not combine Vimovo with another naproxen-containing medicine or another non-aspirin NSAID unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends it.
Serious Skin Reactions
Rarely, Vimovo can cause serious skin reactions.
Stop taking Vimovo and seek medical attention if you develop a severe rash, blistering, peeling skin, sores in your mouth, or a rash with fever.
Bone Fracture Risk
The esomeprazole in Vimovo is a proton pump inhibitor.
Long-term or multiple-daily-dose PPI treatment may be associated with an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine, particularly in people with other risk factors for osteoporosis.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not listed as an absolute contraindication with Vimovo, but it can irritate the stomach and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with an NSAID such as naproxen.
Ask your healthcare provider whether alcohol is appropriate for you while taking Vimovo, especially if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Asthma
Tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma.
Vimovo should not be used if you have previously developed asthma, hives, or another allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID.
People with asthma who do not have aspirin sensitivity may still need closer monitoring.
Older Adults
Older adults may be more likely to develop serious stomach bleeding, kidney problems, or other NSAID-related complications.
Your healthcare provider may recommend closer monitoring and the lowest effective dose.
Pregnancy
NSAIDs such as naproxen can harm a developing fetus later in pregnancy.
Use of Vimovo should generally be limited between about 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy and avoided at about 30 weeks and later unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention right away if you develop chest pain, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or a serious skin reaction.
Contact your healthcare provider if side effects are persistent or your symptoms become worse.
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