Based on NIH | Should naproxen dosage be adjusted or used with caution in patients who consume pork or have sensitivities to pork-derived ingredients?

Naproxen itself does not require dose adjustment based on pork consumption or pork-derived sensitivities. The active drug (naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug/NSAID) has no known interaction with pork as a food, and standard dosing guidance focuses on medical factors like age, kidney and liver function, cardiovascular risk, and gastrointestinal (GI) history rather than dietary pork intake. ^{[1] [2]}

Key Point: Active Drug vs. Inactive Ingredients

• The concern for pork-related sensitivity is not the naproxen molecule but the formulation’s inactive ingredients (excipients). Certain naproxen products, especially “gelcaps” or capsule‑shaped coated tablets, may use gelatin for the coating. Gelatin can be sourced from animals, commonly bovine (cow) or porcine (pig), and sourcing is not specified on most public labels. ^{[3] [4]}
• Aleve Gelcaps list “gelatin” among inactive ingredients; while the label confirms gelatin, it does not disclose the animal source. People who avoid porcine products for allergy or religious reasons may wish to choose naproxen formulations without gelatin (such as standard tablets) or confirm excipient sourcing with the manufacturer or pharmacist. ^{[5] [6]}

Does Pork Sensitivity Change Naproxen Dosing?

• There is no guideline that recommends adjusting naproxen dose due to pork consumption or porcine excipient sensitivity. Dose adjustments are generally tied to clinical risks such as GI bleeding risk, kidney disease, heart disease, and concurrent medications (e.g., blood thinners, certain antidepressants), not dietary pork. ^{[1] [2]}
• If a person has a confirmed gelatin allergy, the medical issue is to avoid the offending excipient, not to change the naproxen dose; switching to a non‑gelatin formulation is the usual approach. ^[1]

Practical Advice for Pork-Derived Excipients

• Check the product’s Drug Facts or package insert for inactive ingredients; “gelatin” indicates a potential animal-derived coating. If present, you can ask the manufacturer or pharmacist about the gelatin source. ^[1]
• Consider alternative naproxen formulations without gelatin (regular tablets) or other NSAIDs that do not use gelatin coatings, depending on your safety profile and clinician advice. ^[1]

General Naproxen Safety Reminders

• Naproxen can increase GI bleeding risk and may interact with other drugs; the labels advise discussing all medicines and health conditions with a clinician or pharmacist. This is unrelated to pork intake but important for safe use. ^{[1] [7]}
• Many OTC naproxen products emphasize precautions for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, asthma, or prior stroke, and those taking diuretics or aspirin for heart protection. These are dosing and monitoring considerations independent of pork exposure. ^{[7] [8]}

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Examples of Inactive Ingredients in a Common Product

Below is a snapshot of typical excipients in an Aleve (naproxen sodium) gelcap product. This illustrates where gelatin may appear.

• Aleve Gelcaps inactive ingredients include: gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, and colorants. The animal source of gelatin is not specified on the label. ^{[4] [9]}

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Summary

• Naproxen dosing does not need adjustment due to pork consumption or pork-derived sensitivities. The consideration is formulation choice, not dose. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you avoid porcine products, select a naproxen product without gelatin or verify the gelatin’s source with the manufacturer; pharmacists can help identify suitable formulations. If you have a gelatin allergy, avoid gelatin‑containing naproxen and use an alternative formulation. ^{[3] [4]}
• Continue to follow standard naproxen precautions related to GI, kidney, cardiovascular risks, and drug interactions. ^{[1] [7] [8]}