What is nabumetone (generic Relafen)?
Nabumetone is a prescription medication used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Please note that you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.
What are the common side effects of nabumetone (generic Relafen)?
Using nabumetone has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
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Nabumetone is a prescription medication used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Nabumetone is available in its generic form. This medication is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before purchase.
Nabumetone is prescribed to treat pain symptoms caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by normal wear and tear on a joint’s cartilage. This breakdown causes the cushion between bones to deteriorate. As it does so, bones grind directly on one another, causing joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Simultaneously, the connective tissue that holds muscle to the bone may break down, leading to additional joint pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. As this tissue is destroyed, the joints become damaged. In addition to joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis may also cause fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite.
Nabumetone works to treat the stiffness, pain, and swelling caused by these conditions. It’s important to note that nabumetone will not cure these conditions. Instead, it helps improve quality of life by reducing symptoms of these forms of arthritis.
Nabumetone has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider.
Mild side effects reported from nabumetone use include:
More severe side effects include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.
As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with nabumetone. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.
You should tell your provider if you are taking:
Other NSAIDs: Concurrent use of multiple NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, aspirin, or other similar drugs, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): Combining nabumetone with anticoagulants like warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding due to the potential for platelet dysfunction.
Corticosteroids: The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers may increase when taking corticosteroids alongside nabumetone.
Antiplatelet Drugs: Using antiplatelet medications like clopidogrel along with nabumetone can raise the risk of bleeding.
SSRIs and SNRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with nabumetone.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may reduce the antihypertensive effects of these medications when combined with nabumetone.
Diuretics: Diuretics, such as loop diuretics or thiazides, can reduce kidney function, potentially leading to kidney problems when used with nabumetone.
Methotrexate: The combination of nabumetone and methotrexate can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity, affecting the bone marrow, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
Lithium: Nabumetone can increase lithium levels in the blood, potentially leading to lithium toxicity.
Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus: Taking nabumetone with immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and tacrolimus can increase the risk of kidney damage.
This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with nabumetone. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.
You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you manage. Nabumetone can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Nabumetone can also increase your risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers. Caution should be advised in those with asthma.
Avoid alcohol use with this medication.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with nabumetone. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your healthcare provider immediately.
Nabumetone is supplied as an oral tablet. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the patient's age, body weight, and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.
Most adult patients are prescribed 1000 mg of nabumetone, to be taken once daily. This dosage may be adjusted depending on your need. You can take this medication with food to help reduce GI side effects.
Do not discontinue or increase your nabumetone dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of nabumetone.
Nabumetone should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.
Do not freeze this medication.
Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).
Nabumetone is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.
Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not nabumetone might be right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.
Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for nabumetone to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.
