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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

 

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Arthrotec

(diclofenac / misoprostol)

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Summary for Relafen

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.

Indications for Relafen

Pros and Cons for Relafen

Pros

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

Common Side Effects for Relafen

  • 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%)

Warnings for Relafen

  • 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

Summary for Arthrotec

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 for Arthrotec

Pros and Cons for Arthrotec

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 for Arthrotec

  • Stomach pain (21%)
  • Diarrhea (19%)
  • Upset stomach or indigestion (14%)
  • Nausea (11%)
  • Gas (9%)

Warnings for Arthrotec

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Nabumetone60 tablets / 750mg
$20.29$49.48
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Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol60 tablets / 75mg/200mcg
$54.72$204.70
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