Generic name: nabumetone [ na-BUE-me-tone ]
Brand names: Relafen, Relafen DS
Dosage form: oral tablet (1000 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg)
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 10, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nabumetone?

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Nabumetone works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Nabumetone is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Nabumetone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nabumetone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Nabumetone may cause serious side effects. Stop using nabumetone and call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of nabumetone may include:

• stomach pain, indigestion, nausea;

• diarrhea, constipation, gas;

• swelling in your hands and feet;

• headache, dizziness;

• itching, skin rash; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Nabumetone can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use nabumetone just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Nabumetone may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Nabumetone can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Nabumetone may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using nabumetone, especially in older adults.

You should not use nabumetone if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• fluid retention.

If you are pregnant, you should not take nabumetone unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Nabumetone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take nabumetone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

You may take nabumetone with or without food.

If you use nabumetone long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Nabumetone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Initial dose: 1000 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 1500 to 2000 mg orally per day in 1 or 2 divided doses
Maximum dose: 2000 mg/day

Comments:
-Patients weighing less than 50 kg may be less likely to require dosages beyond 1000 mg.
-Once response to therapy is determined, dose and frequency should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to suit the individual patient's treatment goals.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Initial dose: 1000 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 1500 to 2000 mg orally per day in 1 or 2 divided doses
Maximum dose: 2000 mg/day

Comments:
-Patients weighing less than 50 kg may be less likely to require dosages beyond 1000 mg.
-Once response to therapy is determined, dose and frequency should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to suit the individual patient's treatment goals.

Use: For the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nabumetone?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to nabumetone (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Nabumetone could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect nabumetone?

Ask your doctor before using nabumetone if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect nabumetone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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