Two medicines, side by side
Oxaprozin vs naproxen
Oxaprozin and naproxen are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of oxaprozin since 1992 and of naproxen since 1976. Pharmacies paid $0.475 per oxaprozin 600 mg tablet and $0.0565 per naproxen 500 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the oxaprozin FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 26, 2024); the naproxen FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 12, 2026).
Highlights of the oxaprozin record
Oxaprozin (Daypro) · label of December 26, 2024
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Used for
From the label: indicationsOxaprozin tablets are indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis For relief of the signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Oxaprozin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: Relief of signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA). (1) Relief of signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 29, 1992
- Generic labelers
- 7 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.475 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the naproxen record
Naproxen (Aleve) · label of March 12, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: minor pain of arthritis muscular aches backache menstrual cramps headache toothache the common cold temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- March 11, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 139 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0565 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 8
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Oxaprozin label of December 26, 2024, Naproxen label of March 12, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do oxaprozin and naproxen differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: oxaprozin since 2001; naproxen since 1992 (Drugs@FDA).
| Oxaprozin | Naproxen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Fever, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | Oxaprozin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of oxaprozin, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Upon chronic dosing, the accumulation half-life is approximately 22 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | October 29, 1992 | March 11, 1976 |
| First generic approved | January 31, 2001 | October 30, 1992 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 7 labelers | 139 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.475 per tablet (Oxaprozin 600 mg tablet) | $0.0565 per tablet (Naproxen 500 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -12% | -9% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 8 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 883 | 142,225 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Oxaprozin label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of oxaprozin with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Naproxen label, drug interactions (prescription label)Concomitant use of naproxen with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to oxaprozin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions