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Vimovo Uses
Vimovo is designed to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in adults. This prescription medication contains two medications -- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and inflammation, and a proton pump inhibitor that prevents stomach ulcers. Possible off-label reasons to use Vimovo include the treatment of chronic back pain or other types of pain or inflammation.
What Is Vimovo Used For?
Vimovo™ (naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium) is a prescription medication that combines a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (naproxen) with a proton pump inhibitor medication (esomeprazole) to help decrease the risk of stomach ulcers caused by naproxen. It is approved to treat the following conditions:Vimovo is approved for treating osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. This painful condition occurs when cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. Cartilage is the tissue that pads bones in a joint. Over time, all of the cartilage in a joint can wear away, leaving bones that rub against each other.
Additionally, the fluid within the joint that normally lubricates and cushions the joints becomes thin and less capable of protecting the joint, which contributes to the development of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Osteoarthritis research scientists do not know the exact cause or causes of osteoarthritis, although aging plays an important role.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are treatments that can ease pain and improve function.
Some specific treatments include:
- Medications (see Osteoarthritis Medication)
- Exercise (see Arthritis and Exercise)
- Other pain-relief options
- Viscosupplement therapy (knee injections such as Synvisc®)
- Surgery, such as a Hip Replacement or Knee Replacement
- Alternative therapies (see Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis or Natural Cures for Arthritis).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD