Aleve is an over-the-counter (OTC), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides temporary relief from minor aches and pains from a variety of conditions. It also temporarily reduces fever.

The active ingredient is 220 mg of naproxen sodium.

Aleve temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:

• minor arthritis pain
• headache
• muscular aches
• toothache
• backache
• the common cold
• menstrual cramps

It also temporarily reduces fever.

Aleve requires less frequent dosing and fewer pills than other common, over-the-counter pain relievers when pain persists. Just 2 Aleve can provide pain relief that can last all day. Each Aleve pill has the strength to last 12 hours.

Compare it! Based on minimum label dosing for 24 hours, you could take 6 Extra Strength Tylenol^®* or 4 Advil^®† to get all-day relief if pain persists. Aleve can relieve pain all day with just 2 pills. Each Aleve pill has the strength to last 12 hours. Aleve is available without a prescription, so it's easy to get pain relief that can last all day.

* Tylenol is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.

† Advil is a registered trademark of Wyeth, LLC.

Aleve works by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a direct role in pain.

Aleve belongs to a class of medication known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but is not indicated as an anti-inflammatory.

The only difference is the shape. Both the Aleve tablets and caplets contain the same amount of medicine. Some people find that an oval caplet is easier to swallow, while others prefer the round tablet shape.

Naprosyn contains more naproxen per pill than Aleve and is only available with a prescription.

Naprosyn is indicated for treatment of acute pain, chronic (continuing) pain and inflammatory conditions under a doctor's supervision.

Aleve contains naproxen sodium and is indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains and temporary reduction of fever. Aleve should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for a fever without consulting your doctor.

Aleve is available over the counter, so you can get long-lasting pain relief without a prescription.

Naprosyn^® is a registered trademark of Syntex Pharmaceuticals International Limited.

Anaprox is only available by prescription; Aleve is available over the counter. Anaprox contains more naproxen per pill than Aleve.

Anaprox is indicated for treatment of acute pain, chronic (continuing) pain and inflammatory conditions under a doctor's supervision.

Aleve contains naproxen sodium and is indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains and reduction of fever. Aleve should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without consulting your doctor.

Aleve is available over the counter, so you can get long-lasting pain relief without a prescription.

Anaprox^® is a registered trademark of Syntex Pharmaceuticals International Limited.