Based on NIH | Does naproxen contain any pork-derived ingredients, and could that increase the risk of side effects for someone with a pork allergy?

Short answer

Most naproxen tablets themselves do not contain pork, but certain naproxen gelcaps (soft-coated tablets) list gelatin among their inactive ingredients, and commercial gelatin can be sourced from pork unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. ^{[1] [2]} If you avoid pork for allergy or religious reasons, choosing a non‑gelcap naproxen tablet (without gelatin) is a safer option, and you can confirm the exact excipients on the product’s official label. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

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What is in naproxen?

• Active ingredient: Naproxen or naproxen sodium (the pain‑relieving drug).
• Inactive ingredients (excipients): These vary by brand and dosage form and may include cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, colorants, and sometimes gelatin. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

For example, standard film‑coated naproxen sodium tablets (like common “blue” tablets) list inactive ingredients such as cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide, and do not list gelatin. ^{[3] [4] [5]} In contrast, naproxen gelcaps (soft-coated tablets) list gelatin among inactive ingredients, alongside dyes and stabilizers. ^{[1] [2] [6]}

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Is the gelatin pork‑derived?

• Gelatin source is not specified on most drug labels. When a label lists “gelatin,” it does not state whether it’s from pork (porcine), beef (bovine), or fish; sourcing can vary by manufacturer and batch. ^{[6] [7]}
• Practical implication: If you need to avoid pork, any naproxen product that lists “gelatin” should be considered potentially pork‑derived unless the manufacturer confirms a non‑porcine source. ^{[6] [7]}

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Could pork-derived ingredients increase side effects for someone with a pork allergy?

• Allergic risk is possible with porcine gelatin. People with true pork allergies may react to porcine‑sourced gelatin; reactions range from mild hives to, rarely, more serious symptoms. While naproxen’s active drug is unrelated to pork, the excipient gelatin in certain gelcaps could theoretically trigger an allergic response if it is porcine. ^[8]
• Drug labels may not fully disclose animal sources. Unlike food labeling, medication labels do not have to specify the exact animal source of excipients, which makes confirmation important for sensitive users. ^[8]

Because of this, choosing a non‑gelatin tablet formulation of naproxen can reduce the risk for someone with pork allergy. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

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How to choose a safer naproxen product

• Prefer tablet forms without gelatin: Check the Drug Facts/Inactive Ingredients section and select naproxen sodium tablets that do not list “gelatin.” ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• Avoid gelcaps unless source is confirmed: Gelcaps that list gelatin should be avoided unless the manufacturer confirms bovine or fish gelatin or a plant‑based alternative. ^{[1] [2] [6]}
• Verify with the manufacturer: Contact the brand’s customer service and ask specifically about the gelatin source for the lot number you plan to buy; sources can change. ^{[6] [7]}
• Consider compounding options: If you need naproxen without certain excipients, a compounding pharmacy may prepare a formulation excluding gelatin or other animal‑derived ingredients. ^[8]

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Examples from common labels

• Naproxen sodium tablet (non‑gelcap): Inactive ingredients include cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide; gelatin is not listed. ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• Naproxen gelcaps (soft‑coated): Inactive ingredients include gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dyes (FD&C Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 6), and others. ^{[1] [2] [6]}

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Bottom line

• Naproxen itself is not pork‑derived. ^{[3] [4] [5]}
• Some naproxen gelcaps contain gelatin, which may be porcine unless specified otherwise. ^{[1] [2] [6]}
• For pork allergy, choose naproxen tablets without gelatin, or confirm the gelatin source with the manufacturer. ^{[3] [4] [5] [6] [8]}

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Quick reference table

Naproxen product type	Gelatin listed?	Typical inactive ingredients shown	Considerations for pork allergy
Standard naproxen sodium tablet (film‑coated)	No	Cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide	Generally safer regarding pork; still verify label each time. [3] [4] [5]
Naproxen gelcaps (soft‑coated tablets)	Yes	Gelatin, glycerin, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, dyes (Blue No.1, Yellow No.6), microcrystalline cellulose	Potentially porcine; avoid unless manufacturer confirms non‑porcine gelatin. [1] [2] [6]

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Practical tips

• Check the exact product and lot: Labeling can differ between strengths, brands, and even batches. ^{[6] [7]}
• If uncertain, ask: A quick call or email to the brand can clarify gelatin source and help you choose confidently. ^{[6] [7]}
• Alternatives: If you need to avoid naproxen gelcaps, consider non‑gelatin formulations of other NSAIDs or consult a pharmacist about compounded options tailored to your dietary needs. ^[8]