Nabumetone
Generic Relafen DS
Nabumetone (na BYOO me tone) is a generic medication prescribed for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nabumetone belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Nabumetone (na BYOO me tone) is a generic medication prescribed for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nabumetone belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 500mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on October 30, 2023
Nabumetone (na BYOO me tone) is a generic medication prescribed for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nabumetone belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Boxed warnings
Nabumetone has the following boxed warnings:
- risk of serious blood clot events, including heart attack and stroke
- risk of serious digestive problems
Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for nabumetone” section.
Side effects
Side effects of nabumetone
Nabumetone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of nabumetone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about nabumetone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for nabumetone listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with nabumetone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about nabumetone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for nabumetone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Nabumetone oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- indigestion or heartburn
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for nabumetone” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of nabumetone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about nabumetone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for nabumetone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, nabumetone’s serious side effects include:
- increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to serious sunburn
- kidney damage
- liver problems
- high potassium levels
- low red blood cell counts
- new or worsening high blood pressure
- new or worsening heart failure
- swelling due to fluid retention
- boxed warning(s): risk of serious blood clot events, including heart attack and stroke, and risk of serious digestive problems*
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for nabumetone” section.
FAQ
Common questions about nabumetone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about nabumetone.
Is nabumetone considered a muscle relaxer?
No, nabumetone isn’t considered a muscle relaxer. It belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can relieve pain, lower inflammation, and help bring down a fever.
If you have muscle pain, tightness, or other symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage these muscle symptoms.
What pain relievers are safe to take with nabumetone?
The pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe to take with nabumetone. There isn’t an interaction between these two drugs. But acetaminophen isn’t safe for everyone, such as for people with liver disease. You should not take nabumetone with another NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining nabumetone with acetaminophen or any other pain reliever. They can review your medical history to make sure it’s safe. They can also suggest the best way to take them. Follow the directions and warnings on pain relievers you buy over the counter.
Is nabumetone a narcotic?
No, nabumetone isn’t a narcotic. It’s an NSAID. Both narcotics and NSAIDs can relieve pain. But NSAIDs can also help lower inflammation and fever. These two groups of drugs also have different side effects and warnings. Unlike NSAIDs, narcotics carry a risk of misuse, addiction, and dependence.
You can learn more about how nabumetone compares to narcotics by talking with your doctor or pharmacist. If nabumetone isn’t managing your pain, tell your doctor.
How does nabumetone work? And how long does it take to start working?
Nabumetone blocks substances in your body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. (Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. Inflammation can cause swelling. But you can have inflammation without swelling.)
Nabumetone should start working to improve symptoms within a few hours of taking it. But it can take a few weeks to see its full effects on arthritis symptoms.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of nabumetone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as nabumetone for certain conditions. Approved uses for nabumetone are described below.
Use for certain types of arthritis
Doctors may prescribe nabumetone oral tablet for treating the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With OA, joints break down over time due to wear and tear. This is also called degenerative joint disease. It’s the most common form of arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Bone spurs and loss of flexibility can also occur.
With RA, there’s a problem with the immune system, and it attacks the lining of the joints. This is called an autoimmune disease. It also causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.
Nabumetone can help relieve the joint symptoms of OA and RA.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for nabumetone
Below, you’ll find information about nabumetone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of nabumetone
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take nabumetone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for nabumetone” section below.
Warnings for nabumetone
Some people should not take nabumetone, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warnings
Nabumetone has the following boxed warnings:
- risk of serious blood clot events, including heart attack and stroke
- risk of serious digestive problems.
Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Risk of serious blood clot events. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including nabumetone, raises the risk of serious blood clot events. This includes heart attack and stroke, which can lead to death. The risk is higher when you take NSAIDs for a long time or take high doses. The risk may also be higher if you already have risk factors for heart or blood vessel problems.
Due to this risk, doctors prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time possible. People who have recently had a heart attack or who are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery should not take nabumetone.
Symptoms of heart attack or stroke may include:
- chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- drooping on one side of the face
- shortness of breath
- trouble speaking or understanding speech
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care or call 911.
Risk of serious digestive problems. Taking NSAIDs, including nabumetone, increases the risk of serious digestive system problems. This includes bleeding, ulcers (sores), and holes in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These problems can be fatal. They can occur without warning at any time during treatment with NSAIDs. The risk may be higher in people who have had bleeding or ulcers in the past, as well as in older adults and people in a weakened state.
Due to this risk, doctors prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.
Symptoms of serious digestive system problems may include:
- stomach pain or discomfort
- blood in bowel movements or black, tarry bowel movements
- nausea
- vomiting blood
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care or call 911.
Other warnings
Nabumetone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether nabumetone is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for nabumetone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Nabumetone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to nabumetone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe nabumetone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to nabumetone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of nabumetone
You should not take more nabumetone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much nabumetone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and nabumetone
Information about nabumetone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Nabumetone and pregnancy
Nabumetone should not be taken after week 30 of pregnancy. And it’s usually not prescribed after week 20 of pregnancy, except in special circumstances. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with nabumetone.
Nabumetone and breastfeeding
Nabumetone should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with nabumetone.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about nabumetone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Am I at higher risk of side effects from nabumetone than other people?
- How does nabumetone compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
- What’s the most important information I should know about nabumetone?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Nabumetone tablets USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/311ae656-55d2-4116-a1bd-6f4a4ce70185/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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