Data shows aspirin therapy not affected by naproxen sodium

BOSTON Naproxen sodium can be taken in conjunction with aspirin, unlike ibuprofen, according to data presented before the American College of Rheumatology, announced Bayer Consumer Healthcare Friday.

Specifically, the concomitant use of naproxen sodium and aspirin produces no change in blood clotting as compared to the use of aspirin alone. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots from forming. However, ibuprofen was found to negate the intended cardiovascular benefit of aspirin therapy.

The Food and Drug Administration has recently mandated that ibuprofen products carry a warning that there may be an interaction between ibuprofen and aspirin that might render aspirin therapy less effective when used for its antiplatelet, cardioprotective effect.

Bayer distributes a naproxen sodium analgesic under the Aleve banner and features several 81 mg line extensions along its Bayer Aspirin franchise.