Takeaway
In women with dysmenorrhea, there is significant correlation between serum naproxen levels and reduction in pain suggesting that malabsorption may contribute to lack of therapeutic efficacy.
Why this matters
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) resistance may prompt physicians to turn to more potentially harmful alternatives such as opioids and corticosteroids; however, the role of malabsorption as a contributor to NSAID resistance is poorly understood.