provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Nabumetone Coupon - Nabumetone 500mg tablet

nabumetone

Generic Relafen
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis
Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis

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.

Last reviewed on September 2, 2021
basics-icon

What is Nabumetone?

What is Nabumetone used for?

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

How Nabumetone works

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the inflammatory process in your body, which relieves pain and swelling.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRelafen, Relafen DS (branded generics)
Drug ClassNSAID
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$60.10(save 71.95%)
GoodRx discount
$16.86
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Nabumetone?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (14%)
  • Upset stomach or indigestion (13%)
  • Stomach pain (12%)

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Nausea
  • Blood in stool
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Liver problems: nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes
  • Kidney problems: irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, poor urine output, confusion, weakness
  • Heart attack: chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in jaw, neck, or shoulders
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding: black or tarry stool, dizziness, stomach pain or discomfort
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, swelling of face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing
  • Serious skin reactions: flu-like symptoms, painful rash or blisters all over body, peeling of skin
  • Stroke: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, loss of balance, confusion
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling or fluid buildup in ankles, feet, or legs, cough

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Headache

itching skin

nausea

rash

stomach pain

swelling

Less common

Burning feeling in chest or stomach

indigestion

stomach upset

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

tenderness in stomach area

vomiting

Rare

Bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, loosening of skin

bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody or cloudy urine

burning upper abdominal pain

changes in vision

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark-colored urine

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

dry cough

dry mouth

fast heartbeat

fever

fluid-filled skin blisters

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

high blood pressure

hives or welts

increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

increased thirst

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

muscle pain

pain in lower back or side

pinpoint red spots on skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue

rapid breathing

red irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness or other discoloration of skin

severe or continuing stomach pain

severe sunburn

shortness of breath

skin thinness

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips

stomach bloating, burning, or cramping

swelling of face, fingers, feet or lower legs

tightness in chest

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vaginal bleeding

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weight gain or loss

wheezing

yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

blurred vision

coma

confusion

depression

hostility

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

irritability

muscle twitching

nervousness

pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

pounding in the ears

seizures

severe stomach pain

slow heartbeat

stupor

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated full feeling

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears

excess air or gas in stomach or intestines

hearing loss

indigestion

mild diarrhea

passing gas

Less common

Increased sweating

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sleeplessness

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

Rare

Anxiety

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

general feeling of discomfort or illness

increased appetite

lack or loss of strength

lightheadedness

sensation of spinning

shakiness in legs, arms, hands, feet

trembling or shaking of hands or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Nabumetone

thumbs-up

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).

thumbs-down

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.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Nabumetone

pharmacist
  • You can take nabumetone with or without food, but taking it with food or milk can help you avoid having an upset stomach.

    • If you are allergic to aspirin, there is a chance you may be allergic to nabumetone as well. Tell your provider about all your allergies.

      • There are several over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications that can interact with nabumetone. Naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil) are in the same drug class as nabumetone, so be very careful not to combine these medications, because it can raise your risk for bleeding. Always ask your pharmacist or provider if a new medication is safe to take along with nabumetone.

        • If you're age 65 or older, you're at a greater risk for stomach-related problems and kidney problems while taking this medication. You should take the lowest dose of nabumetone for the shortest amount of time that's necessary to treat your pain.

          • Let your provider know if you're currently taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). When warfarin (Coumadin) is taken together with nabumetone, there is a greater risk for bleeding. If you have to take these medications together, your provider may have to adjust your warfarin (Coumadin) dose more often.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Nabumetone

            Is nabumetone a painkiller?
            Nabumetone does help to lower pain along with swelling and joint stiffness that comes with arthritis.
            Is nabumetone the same as ibuprofen (Advil)?
            Both nabumetone and ibuprofen (Advil) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that work well to relieve pain and inflammation. Nabumetone is only available with a prescription and ibuprofen (Advil) is available with or without a prescription (over-the-counter). Talk with your provider about which option is best for you.
            Can nabumetone be taken with a muscle relaxer?
            Nabumetone typically doesn't interact with muscle relaxers and they are generally okay to take together. However, you should always consult with your provider or pharmacist before starting a new medication so that they can do a thorough check for drug interactions.
            Can I take nabumetone with ibuprofen (Advil)?
            Avoid using nabumetone together with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Combining these medications together can raise your risk for stomach-related side effects and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
            Can I drink alcohol with nabumetone?
            Avoid drinking alcohol while taking nabumetone, because it can raise your risk for stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Nabumetone?

            Nabumetone can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Heart attack and stroke

            • Risk factors: Long-term use | History of heart disease | History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)

              Taking nabumetone for long periods of time can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you've had a history of heart disease or are planning a heart bypass surgery. Take nabumetone for the shortest amount of time possible needed to control your symptoms in order to lower this risk. Talk to your provider about alternatives to nabumetone if you're going to have heart bypass surgery.

              risk-warning

              Stomach bleeding

              • Risk factors: Age 65 or older | History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease | Longer duration of treatment | Use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Smoking | Alcohol use

                Taking nabumetone can raise your risk of ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Talk to your provider if you suddenly get sharp pains in your stomach or you notice bright, red blood in your vomit or dark, tarry stool.

                risk-warning

                Higher blood pressure

                • Risk factors: History of high blood pressure

                  Nabumetone can raise your blood pressure, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly as instructed by your provider.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart failure

                  • Risk factors: History of heart failure

                    Nabumetone can worsen your symptoms of heart failure, including fluid buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and hospitalizations. Therefore, if you have heart failure, the risks and benefits of using nabumetone should be discussed with your provider before starting this medication. If you have heart failure and are taking nabumetone, your provider will likely monitor you for signs of worsening heart failure.

                    risk-warning

                    Kidney problems

                    • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Heart failure | Liver problems | Taking diuretics (water pills) | Age 65 or older

                      Nabumetone and similar medications in the NSAID family can cause decreased kidney function or permanent kidney damage. If you experience irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, poor urine output, confusion, or weakness while taking this medication, let your provider know.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver problems

                      Nabumetone and similar medications in the NSAID family can cause liver problems. Your provider might order blood tests to make sure that your liver is healthy. Let your provider know if you experience nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, yellowing of skin or whites of your eyes while taking this medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious allergic reactions

                      • Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs | Aspirin-sensitive asthma

                        If you've experienced a serious allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past, then there's a chance that you may develop an allergic reaction to nabumetone as well. Let your provider know about all of your allergies before starting this medication. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking nabumetone, get medical help right away.

                        risk-warning

                        Life-threatening skin reactions

                        • Risk factors: History of serious skin reactions to NSAIDs

                          Nabumetone can cause life-threatening skin reactions such as painful rash or blisters all over the body and peeling of the skin. You may also experience flu-like symptoms. If this happens, you will need to stop taking this medication and switch to a different one.

                          risk-warning

                          Harm to your unborn baby

                          Nabumetone is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, because it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. If you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your provider about other safer medications.

                          risk-warning

                          Anemia (low red blood cell count)

                          • Risk factors: Taking with other blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin) | Taking with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

                            Nabumetone can raise your risk of bleeding which can lead to anemia (low red blood cells). If you experience fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or dizziness after taking this medication, let your provider know. Regular blood tests may need to be done to make sure that your red blood cells are within normal levels.

                            dosage

                            Nabumetone dosage forms

                            The average cost for 60 tablets of 500mg of Nabumetone is $17.16 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.46% off the average retail price of $60.10.
                            tablet
                            Tablet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            500mg60 tablets$17.16$0.29
                            750mg60 tablets$16.86$0.28

                            Typical dosing for Nabumetone

                            The typical starting dose is 1 gram by mouth taken as a single dose. For additional pain relief, you may need a higher dose of 1.5 grams or 2 grams per day (can be taken as a single dose or divided into a twice-daily dose).

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Nabumetone and other drugs

                            Nabumetone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Nabumetone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            drug-cost

                            How much does Nabumetone cost?

                            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Nabumetone?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nabumetone. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Nabumetone
                            Used for:
                            • Rheumatoid arthritis

                            • Osteoarthritis

                            $16.86 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $10.76 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $6.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            images

                            Nabumetone images

                            White Oval E145 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "E145".White Oval E145 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            White Oval Sg And 465 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "465" And "Sg".White Oval Sg And 465 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            White Oval Sg And 465 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "465" And "Sg".White Oval Sg And 465 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            White Oval Ig And 257 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "257" And "Ig".White Oval Ig And 257 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            White Oval N784 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "N784".White Oval N784 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            White Oval N784 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "N784".White Oval N784 - Nabumetone 500mg Tablet

                            Get savings updates for Nabumetone

                            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Nabumetone and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                            By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                            Browse medications

                            View All

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