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Aleve is probably and brand name that you have heard before but if you are in the market for something that can help with everyday, minor aches and pains then you should take a look at this review. The first thing that you should know about Aleve is that it is only meant to provide temporary relief for minor aches and pains. It can also be used to reduce fever. This means that if you suffer from some form of chronic pain, Aleve may not be the best way to treat it. People typically use Aleve for cramps, toothaches, headaches, backaches, and minor arthritis pain.
Aleve is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory and is readily available without a prescription. The Aleve Easy Open Arthritis Cap has received the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation.
Aleve Review – Health Insiders Images
Aleve Pros & Cons
- Comes from the Bayer corporation which is a reputable entity
- Aleve has a number of product options including a night time formula
- Its main ingredient has been tested and proven in many clinical trials
- Offers only temporary pain relief
- Should not be taken if you have ever had hives, asthma, and other allergic reactions
- Could cause heartburn and dizziness
How Does it Work? – The Science Behind Aleve
First of all, it should be stated that Aleve, by merit of containing 220 milligrams of naproxen sodium, works. We can see that in this study outlined by Cochrane which indicates that half of a subject group that was given Naproxen sodium for postoperative pain felt a significant level of clinical relief from said pain as opposed to just 15% of those given a placebo.
So how does it work to alieve pain?
To understand that you need to become familiar with something called a prostaglandin. A prostaglandin is something produced by the body when the tissue becomes injured. Prostaglandins are responsible for swelling, redness, and pain. Naproxen sodium blocks the enzymes that produce prostaglandins thus eliminating the source of pain.
Ingredients in Aleve – What to Look for
There is essentially only one active ingredient in Aleve which we will detail below.
Aleve does not contain acetaminophen, aspirin or caffeine.
Aleve is also not made with gluten but may contain trace amounts of it due to manufacturing processes.
Here is a look at the active ingredient in Aleve:
Naproxen Sodium – Naproxen sodium is an anti-inflammatory analgesic that contains a type of sodium that is highly soluble. According to Medical News Today, in addition to helping to alleviate minor aches and pains (temporarily_ Naproxen sodium is an over the counter substance that can be used to alleviate symptoms that are related to the common cold and menstruation.)
Aleve – Questions and Answers
Q: How to Use Aleve?
A: The directions state that you should take one tablet every 8 to 12 hours for as long as your symptoms last and that within the first hour, it is ok to take 2.
Q: How Much Does Aleve Cost?
A: There are many Aleve products and sizes but to give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay, the classic Aleve Back and Muscle Pain Relief variety runs for about $5.99 at many popular retailers. Please note that this price is indicative of the 24 tablet count bottle and that Aleve is not available to purchase directly from the manufacturer.
Q: Does Aleve Have any Side Effects?
A: Aleve does have some minor side effects to look out for. These include:
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach bleeding
Note: It is best to avoid taking other than as described and do not take for long periods of time.
Q: Can I Take Aleve If I Have A Medical Condition?
A: This question is always better discussed with your doctor but some people who suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, are on blood thinners, are pregnant, have certain allergies, or are taking other over-the-counter pain medications may encounter some complications.
Always ask a doctor before starting any medication, even OTC formulations, as they can still have adverse effects.
Q: Is Aleve Safe?
A: For the most part, Aleve is safe. However, if you have had hives, rashes, facial swelling or any other kind of similar allergic reactions when taking other pain reliever or fever reducer, the same might happen if you take Aleve. Long-term use of Naproxen sodium has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and/or stroke.
Blood in the sputum or in the stool, as well as black tarry stool, can be signs of a GI bleed – stop taking and seek medical care
Q: What is Aleve’s Money-Back Guarantee Refund and Return Policy?
A: Since Aleve is not available for purchase straight from the manufacturer, you will have to use the return and refund policy of the third-party retailer from which you buy it. You can buy also Amazon.
Please note that Aleve is readily available at many physical and online retail stores where the refund and return policy will vary.
Aleve Alternatives
- Excedrin – Excedrin is a popular alternative to Aleve and it contains acetaminophen and caffeine in most of its formulations. It can be purchased for as low as $10.97.
- Tylenol – Tylenol is also another pain reliever that uses acetaminophen as its main active agent and can be purchased in capsule form for around $10.47.
- Advil – Like Aleve, Advil can also be used for aches, pains, and fever reduction. Unlike Aleve, it uses ibuprofen as its active ingredient and you can buy a pack in tablet form for around $8.98.
- 1MD D3 – 1MD D3 provides 5000 IU of highly bioavailable vitamin D3 and supports the function of your body’s cells. It contains an active ingredients Vitamin D3 as Cholecalciferol and Organic Avocado Oil. You can buy a pack of tablets around cost $19.99.
- Primal Flex – Primal Flex is an organic supplement designed for people who suffer from arthritis and other joint conditions. It’s rich in antioxidants which repair damage to the joints and cartilage, and anti-inflammatory agents which lessen swelling and pain. You can buy a pack of tablets around cost $39.96 month + free shipping.
SEE NEXT – ProJoint Plus Review – Does VitaPost ProJoint Plus Supplement Really Work?
Aleve Customer Reviews & Results
The table below highlights (and paraphrases) some of the most common customer reviews of Aleve.
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|
| It has received overwhelmingly positive reviews over a huge amount of users. They praise it for its ability to:
| The few negative comments that have been made about the product has to do with the belief that:
|
The Bottom Line
It is one of the most trusted pain relievers available without a prescription. The reason for this is that it is reliable, it can be used to lower fever and to alleviate minor aches and pains of all kinds. Its main active ingredient is tried and true as well.
Still, you should keep in mind that Aleve is only for minor pains and will not help long-term with chronic pain. There is some speculation as to the long-term effects of naproxen sodium as well but no definitive answers have been given.
The bottom line is that it is a worthwhile purchase if you are looking for some temporary relief for your less serious aches and pains.
Is there Anything Else you Should know About Aleve?
The most important thing you should be aware of is if you have had any allergic reactions to pain relievers before. If so then you need to ask a doctor before taking this product.
You should also know that it should not be taken in conjunction with any other pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
If you exercise caution, keep your own medical history in mind and consult with a doctor when in doubt, you should be fine.
Note: The Drug Facts labeling information on this website may differ from the product labeling on purchased product. Please consult your purchased package for information specific to that product.
Aleve Product
4 sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] Medscape. Naproxen. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/aleve-anaprox-naproxen-343296
[2] Naprosyn – naproxen tablet. (2016, March)dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=68848217-03c9-4377-9be6-6f567e629129
[3] Risser, A., Donovan, D., Heintzman, J., & Page, T. (2009, December). NSAID prescribing precautions. American Family Physician, 80(12), 1371-1378aafp.org/afp/2009/1215/p1371.html
[4] Curfman, G., M.D., Editor in Chief. FDA strengthens the warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. July 2015. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-strengthens-warning-that-nsaids-increase-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-201507138138
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Dr. Meghan Scott, BScH, BScAHN, MBBS, RD
The bottle cap is a real pain to remove
When I purchased the bottle of Aleve I thought the cap will remove easily as per its name on the bottle says Soft Grip Arthritis Cap but I was totally wrong. The cap of the bottle is so rigid that I have to push down to open the cap while twisting. If you have arthritis this job is difficult for you. It won’t be easy to open it every time. The pills work but I’m disappointed with the bottle cap.
Aleve does what it is suppose to do
Aleve has worked as a pain relief substance for the muscle pain. I highly recommend Aleve Caplets. The caplets are easier to swallow than the tablets for me. It is nice to get the great value!