Administering Prednisone After Aleve: What You Need to Know
My husband has been out of his allopurinol for some time now, and naturally, he's experiencing a flare-up of gout. I recently administered a dose of colchicine along with two Aleve, thinking that we were out of prednisone. However, I just discovered a bottle of prednisone in the cabinet. Should I give him a dose, or is it not advisable to mix it with Aleve? I came across some information online indicating that there could be significant gastrointestinal risks involved, but I'm unsure about how serious those risks are or whether it might be acceptable to take a chance just this once to alleviate his discomfort. He is 39 years old, weighs around 200 pounds, and his only medication has been allopurinol, which he hasn’t used for a couple of weeks.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 8:21:12 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're looking for ways to alleviate your husband's discomfort during a gout flare-up. Mixing medications like colchicine and Aleve (naproxen) with prednisone does come with some considerations.
Main Points:
- Potential Risks of Mixing: Combining Aleve and prednisone could increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as ulcers or bleeding.
- Managing Gout Flare-Ups: Gout flare-ups can be distressing, and there are safe ways to manage symptoms without increasing risk.
Explanation:
Aleve (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID) and prednisone (a corticosteroid) both have anti-inflammatory properties. However, using them together can elevate the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, particularly if your husband has a history of GI issues or is taking them repeatedly. This risk may be more pronounced if he has not eaten recently or if he tends to be sensitive to medications.
Next Steps:
- Monitor for Symptoms: Deciding not to mix medications is safer. You can focus on managing his symptoms by watching for any signs of discomfort, such as stomach pain or nausea.
- Continue Colchicine: Given that you've already administered colchicine, it's best to continue with that as the main treatment for gout flare-ups. Make sure he stays well-hydrated.
- Pain Management: Aleve can take some time to help with pain, so consider alternating between small doses of aleve (if it's already been a few hours) and monitoring how he feels. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Consider Prednisone Carefully: If gout symptoms remain severe or do not improve over the next 24 hours, you may want to discuss prednisone or additional treatment options with a healthcare professional.
If he experiences severe pain, significant GI symptoms, or any other concerning symptoms, prioritize seeking medical advice. It's always better to err on the side of caution. Let me know if you need more guidance!
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