Alderley Park, UK – October 13 2025 – Maxwellia is proud to announce the launch of a new anti-inflammatory pain relief treatment available from pharmacies, that is being described as a ‘game-changer’ for the millions of people who suffer short-term back, muscle and joint pain every year in the UK.
Naprosyn® Pain Relief is a new over-the-counter treatment for acute musculoskeletal pain containing 250 mg naproxen. Until now, naproxen has only been available on prescription for these conditions. Available in Boots stores from this week, the launch of Naprosyn® Pain Relief 250 mg gastro-resistant tablets marks the first single-ingredient oral pain relief medicine available in high street pharmacies for over a decade.[1]
Anna Maxwell, Founder and CEO of Maxwellia, the company behind the launch of Naprosyn® Pain Relief, said:
“Naprosyn® Pain Relief is a game-changing medicine for acute back, muscle and joint pain, giving patients more choice and control over how they manage their health for the first time in more than 40 years. For too long, the choice of active ingredients available over the counter for this type of pain has been relatively stagnant; by bringing naproxen, a proven, prescription-strength, opioid-free treatment to high street pharmacies for the first time, we can finally give people a new way to tackle pain and inflammation head-on, helping them get back to daily life without the disruption of short-term aches and pains.”
As a nation, the UK is aching for relief. Whether it’s a twisted ankle, a strained shoulder, or an aching back, musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking treatment in this country, accounting for up to 30% of GP consultations in England.[2] Symptoms can have a significant impact on physical activity, daily life, quality of sleep and work ability, with over 30 million working days lost due to musculoskeletal conditions every year in the UK[2]. With physical activity now at its highest ever level in the UK, more people are benefiting from exercise, but for some, it also brings a greater risk of injury.[3]
In a recent survey* conducted for Naprosyn® Pain Relief, sitting at a desk or computer (56%), lifting heavy objects (51%) and physical activity (48%) were reported as the top causes of everyday aches and pains, with the lower back (64%) and knees (49%) being the most common sites of discomfort.
Physiotherapist, Martin Haines said:
“Acute musculoskeletal pain can have a real impact on people’s ability to move, work and enjoy life. Managing both the pain and the inflammation is key to recovery, and sometimes the sooner we can start, the better. In my experience, many people build their own ‘ecosystem’ for managing pain, combining approaches like physiotherapy or sports massage with effective pain relief. Having Naprosyn® Pain Relief readily available in pharmacies means individuals have the option to add a new weapon to their armoury, helping them return to activity sooner.”
Naproxen, the active ingredient in Naprosyn® Pain Relief, is a well-established non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is opioid-free and has been prescribed for over 40 years for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. It offers dual-effect relief, targeting both pain and inflammation, and can provide powerful lasting relief for up to 12 hours with just one dose.[4-6] By reducing the chemical messengers that cause inflammation, naproxen addresses the five hallmark signs — pain, swelling, redness, heat and loss of movement; helping people return to their normal activities faster.[4-6]
The launch of Naprosyn® Pain Relief reflects the mission of Maxwellia, the UK’s only dedicated medicine “switching” company, to empower people to take control of their health by making proven, effective prescription medicines available over the counter.
Naprosyn® Pain Relief is indicated for adults aged 18–50 for the relief of acute conditions characterised by pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints, such as sprains and strains, sporting injuries, lower back pain, neck pain, or pain in the wrists or feet, and is available to buy now in Boots stores and high street pharmacies nationwide.[7]
Naprosyn® Pain Relief 250 mg gastro-resistant tablets. Naproxen. Always read the label.
To learn more, visit naprosynpainrelief.com.
References:
[1] Novartis’s pain drug among latest MHRA reclassifications [Internet]. Insights. 2008 [cited 2025 Aug 15]. Available from: https://insights.citeline.com/SC006323/Novartiss-pain-drug-among-latest-MHRA-reclassifications/
[2] England N. NHS England» Musculoskeletal health [Internet]. England.nhs.uk. 2021 [cited 2025 Aug 15]. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/elective-care/best-practice-solutions/musculoskeletal/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20over%2030%20million,of%20GP%20consultations%20in%20England
[3] Sport England 2025.Record numbers playing sport and taking part in physical activity. https://www.sportengland.org/news-and-inspiration/record-numbers-playing-sport-and-taking-part-physical-activity [Accessed July 2025]
[4] Moore RA et al. Single dose oral analgesics for acute postoperative pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD008659
[5] Cooper SA et al. Longer analgesic effect with naproxen sodium than ibuprofen in post-surgical dental pain: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled single-dose trial. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2019; 35(12): 2149-58
[6] Daniels et al, 2019. Long lasting pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea, double blind cross over study. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31397597/
[7] Naprosyn® Pain Relief 250 mg Gastro-resistant Tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics. August 2025. Available at here.
*Maxwellia survey. June 2025. Data on file.