ALEVE is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that provides relief for a variety of conditions. ALEVE has less frequent dosing than other common, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Just two Aleve provide relief that can last all day. Compare it! Based on minimum label dosing for 24 hours, you could take six Extra Strength Tylenol or four Advil to get the same all-day relief as just two ALEVE. ALEVE is available without a prescription, so it's easy to get relief that lasts all day, without the necessity of seeing a doctor. ALEVE works by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a direct role in pain.