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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 is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works to help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults. This can include pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. Nabumetone is a tablet that you take by mouth typically once per day. The dosage can be adjusted based on how well the medication is working for you. Side effects can include diarrhea and upset stomach.

    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 (RA)
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    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
    •Works well to help with OA and RA
    •Might have a lower risk of serious stomach issues than some other NSAIDs
    •Typically taken by mouth once per day
    Cons
    •Requires a prescription from a healthcare professional
    •Has many risks, including heart issues, stomach bleeding, and kidney problems
    •Not recommended for people with severe heart failure or kidney problems
    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%)
    •Indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Gas (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 9%)
    •Dizziness (up to 9%)
    •Headache (up to 9%)
    •Itching (up to 9%)
    •Rash (up to 9%)
    •Ringing in the ears (up to 9%)
    •Swelling (up to 9%)
    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
    •Risk of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Risk of general bleeding and anemia
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Not safe to take while pregnant
    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

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