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Compare Relafen vs. Celebrex

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

Key takeaways

Nabumetone (Relafen) and celecoxib (Celebrex) are both prescription medications used to treat arthritis pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically taken once or twice a day and is known for causing fewer stomach-related side effects compared to some other NSAIDs. Celecoxib, on the other hand, is a COX-2 selective NSAID, which means it specifically targets the COX-2 enzyme involved in pain and swelling, leading to a lower risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. Celecoxib can be taken once or twice a day and is also approved for additional conditions like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual cramps, which nabumetone is not. While both medications can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, celecoxib has a specific warning for people with sulfa allergies. Additionally, celecoxib is available in a generic form, making it a potentially more affordable option. Both medications should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of heart disease, stomach issues, or are pregnant.

  • Nabumetone
    Celebrex (celecoxib)
  • Nabumetone
    Celebrex (celecoxib)

  • Summary of Relafen vs. Celebrex

    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 COX-2 selective NSAID
    Prescription only

    Celecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Relafen vs. Celebrex

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Osteoarthritis
    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Sudden pain
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Relafen vs. Celebrex

    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 COX-2 selective NSAID
    Pros
    •Can use for different types of arthritis
    •Fewer stomach side effects compared to some other NSAIDs
    •Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease
    •Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Relafen vs. Celebrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Headache (16%)
    •Indigestion (9%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (8%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)
    •Belly pain (4%)

    Children

    •Headache (13%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Belly pain (4-8%)
    •Cough (7%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)

  • Warnings of Relafen vs. Celebrex

    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
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Liver problems
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Relafen vs. Celebrex

    Learn more about Nabumetone
    Learn more about Celebrex

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