This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Relafen Consumer Information
RELAFEN
Generic Name: nabumetone (na BYOO me tone)
Brand Names: Relafen
What is the most important information I should know about nabumetone?
- Take nabumetone with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
- Remaining upright (sitting or standing) for 15 to 30 minutes after each dose may prevent irritation of the esophagus (throat).
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, nabumetone may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
What is nabumetone?
- Nabumetone is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nabumetone works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
- Nabumetone is used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Nabumetone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nabumetone?
- Before taking nabumetone, tell your doctor if you
- have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs,
- have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach,
- drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day,
- have liver or kidney disease,
- have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder,
- have congestive heart failure,
- have fluid retention,
- have heart disease, or
- have high blood pressure.
- You may not be able to take nabumetone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Nabumetone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Nabumetone should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because a similar drug is known to affect the baby's heart. Do not take nabumetone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether nabumetone passes into breast milk Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take nabumetone?
- Take nabumetone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Taking nabumetone with food, milk, or an antacid may lessen stomach upset.
- Remaining upright (sitting or standing) for 15 to 30 minutes after each dose may prevent irritation of the esophagus (throat).
- Store nabumetone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a nabumetone overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking nabumetone?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Nabumetone may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, nabumetone may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.