Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Relafen vs. Arthrotec

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nabumetone and Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol) are both medications used to treat arthritis, but they have some key differences. Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. It is usually taken once or twice a day and is known for causing fewer stomach-related side effects compared to some other NSAIDs. On the other hand, Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, an NSAID, and misoprostol, a prostaglandin that protects the stomach from irritation caused by diclofenac. Arthrotec is taken multiple times a day and is specifically designed for people at high risk for stomach and intestinal ulcers. While both medications can cause serious side effects, Arthrotec is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Both medications carry risks of heart issues, stomach bleeding, and kidney problems.

  • Nabumetone
    Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)
  • Nabumetone
    Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)

  • Summary of Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Nabumetone works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Compared to similar medications, it has lower risks for stomach-related side effects.

    Summary for NSAID / Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is a combination medication used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in non-pregnant adults. The diclofenac in Arthrotec is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and swelling, while the misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that lowers the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers from diclofenac. Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is taken by mouth, typically two to four times per day. Common side effects of this medication include stomach cramps (pain) and diarrhea. Avoid drinking alcohol with Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) because doing so can raise the risk of stomach bleeding.

  • Indications of Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Osteoarthritis
    Indications for
    •Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who are at high risk for stomach and intestinal ulcers

  • Pros and Cons of Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Usually taken only once a day, while other NSAIDs need to be taken a few times a day for the same effect
    •Nabumetone causes less stomach-related side effects than other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you have severe heart failure or if you are pregnant
    •Nabumetone can cause serious complications including heart issues, stomach bleeding, and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •Diclofenac works well to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling and misoprostol works well to lower the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding
    •Conveniently combines two medication in one pill
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Not safe to take at any time of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

  • Common Side Effects of Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (21%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (14%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Gas (9%)

  • Warnings of Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Higher blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening skin reactions
    •Harm to your unborn baby
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to mother and unborn baby
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Risk for bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Relafen vs. Arthrotec

    Learn more about Nabumetone
    Learn more about Arthrotec

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis drugs

Cataflam vs RelafenMeloxicam vs RelafenRelafen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineRelafen vs ArthrotecRelafen vs CelebrexRelafen vs DiclofenacRelafen vs IbuprofenRelafen vs NaprosynRelafen vs NaproxenRelafen vs NorcoArthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenDiclofenac vs LidocaineDuexis vs IbuprofenIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NorcoLodine vs DiclofenacMeloxicam vs DiclofenacNaproxen vs DiclofenacTylenol vs Diclofenac
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.