nabumetone
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.
What is Nabumetone?
What is Nabumetone used for?
How Nabumetone works
Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking proteins in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). These proteins play a role in causing inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
By blocking COX, nabumetone helps relieve pain, swelling, stiffness, and other arthritis symptoms.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Relafen DS |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | NSAID |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Nabumetone essentials
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%)
- 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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
Nabumetone serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stomach ulcer: gnawing pain in the stomach, acid reflux, feel full quickly
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that spreads to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw; sweating
- Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, blurred vision, slurred speech, severe headache
- Heart failure: trouble breathing, swelling, sudden weight gain, tiredness, dizziness
- Kidney problems: urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps, low appetite, tiredness, dry and itchy skin
- Liver problems: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing, fever, swollen lymph nodes
- Serious skin reactions: rash, skin reddening, blisters, peeling skin
The following Nabumetone 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:
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
chills
clay-colored stools
dark-colored urine
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
fluid-filled skin blisters
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
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
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
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
yellow eyes or skin
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation
blurred vision
coma
confusion
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
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
Rare
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.
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Pros and cons of Nabumetone
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
Pharmacist tips for Nabumetone
- You can take nabumetone with or without food. But it could be a good idea to take it with food or milk. NSAIDs like nabumetone can upset the stomach, so taking it with food can help ease this side effect.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking nabumetone. Alcohol can raise your risk of serious stomach problems, like stomach ulcers and bleeding. Speak to your care team about your drinking habits. If you need help cutting back on alcohol, talk to your care team. They can connect you with resources or help you find other options to manage your arthritis.
- Nabumetone can raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that doesn't get better or bloody vomit or stool. These could be signs of stomach bleeding, which should get treated as soon as possible.
- Nabumetone might raise your blood pressure. Your prescriber might ask you to check your blood pressure at home, particularly if you already have high blood pressure. Let your prescriber know if it stays higher than usual. They might need to help you manage your blood pressure better.
- Don't take nabumetone with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) unless a healthcare professional says it's okay. Taking more than one NSAID can raise your risk of serious side effects like stomach bleeding. NSAIDs are common in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're not sure you're already taking an NSAID.
- Make sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all of the medications you take or plan to take. Nabumetone can interact with a lot of medications, such as blood pressure medications and blood thinners (including aspirin). Some interactions can make your medications work less well. Others can raise your risk of side effects. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together and make changes if needed.
- If you're allergic to aspirin, there's a chance you might be allergic to nabumetone too. Tell your prescriber about all your allergies.
- If you're pregnant, talk to your care team about safer options. It's not clear how safe nabumetone is in early pregnancy. And the FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs like nabumetone during the second half of pregnancy because they might harm your unborn baby.
- If you're breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber. They can help explain the risks and benefits of taking nabumetone. It's not clear if the medication can get into breast milk and if it can affect a nursing baby.
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 of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
- Risk factors: Older adults | History of peptic ulcer disease | History of stomach bleeding | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Taking nabumetone for a long time | Drinking alcohol | Smoking
Nabumetone can raise your risk of stomach problems, like inflammation, stomach ulcers (sores), and bleeding. These problems can happen at any time while taking this medication. They can be serious and sometimes life-threatening and need treatment right away.
Let your prescriber and pharmacist know about your medical conditions and all the medications you take. They can check your risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding from nabumetone.
Tell your care team if you have gnawing pain in the stomach, have acid reflux, or feel full quickly. These can be signs of a stomach ulcer.
People who have stomach bleeds often don't have any symptoms since the bleed can happen over time. But get medical help right away if you feel faint, have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, vomit blood, or have bloody or dark stools. These can be signs of stomach bleeding.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
- Risk factors: Heart problems | Having risk factors for heart problems | Recent heart attack | Taking higher doses of nabumetone | Taking nabumetone for a long time | Recent or planned heart surgery
Nabumetone might raise your risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have heart problems, including a recent heart attack, talk to your prescriber to make sure this medication is safe for you. Don't take nabumetone if you've had a recent heart surgery or if you will have one soon. Your risk is much higher right after surgery.
To lower your risk, take the lowest dose of nabumetone for the shortest time needed. Call 911 if you have signs of a heart attack, like chest pain that spreads to your arm or neck, shortness of breath, or sweating. Also, get medical help right away if you have a severe headache, weakness on one side of your body, a droopy face, or trouble speaking or walking. These can be signs of a stroke.
High blood pressure
Nabumetone can raise your blood pressure. Tell your prescriber if you have high blood pressure. Also let them know if you're taking any blood pressure medications. Nabumetone can make these medications work less well.
Check your blood pressure regularly at home. Talk to your primary care provider if your blood pressure stays higher than usual while taking nabumetone.
Swelling and risk of heart failure
- Risk factors: Heart problems
Nabumetone can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. This can cause swelling in your legs or feet. Too much fluid buildup in the body can also put you at risk for heart failure.
Tell your prescriber if you have heart problems or heart failure. People with severe heart failure should only take nabumetone if the benefits are greater than the risks. Also let your prescriber know about any medications for heart problems because nabumetone can affect how well they work. Your prescriber can make sure this medication is safe for you.
Let your care team know if you notice swelling in your legs or ankles. Watch for other signs of heart failure like shortness of breath, chest pain with physical activity, sudden weight gain, and tiredness.
Kidney damage
- Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney problems | Liver problems | Heart failure | Taking diuretics (water pills) | Taking other medications that can harm the kidneys
Taking NSAIDs like nabumetone for a long time can harm your kidneys. Your risk is higher if you have certain health conditions like kidney problems or heart failure. It's also higher if you take other medications that can cause kidney damage, like diuretics (water pills).
If you're at risk for kidney damage, your prescriber might check your kidney health using a blood test. Call your care team if you notice a change in how often you urinate. Also let them know if you start to feel very tired or have muscle cramps. These can be signs of kidney problems. You might need to stop taking nabumetone if your kidneys get affected.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: History of liver problems
Some people taking NSAIDs like nabumetone can have higher liver enzyme levels in their blood. This can be a sign of liver damage. In rare cases, this damage has led to serious problems like liver failure.
Get medical help right away if you notice swelling of your stomach or pain in the upper right side of your stomach. Also get help if you see yellowing of your skin or eyes, changes in your stool (black, tarry, or bloody stools), or dark or brown urine. These can be signs of liver damage. You might need to stop taking nabumetone to prevent any more liver damage.
Risk of general bleeding and anemia
- Risk factors: Taking with blood thinners, like aspirin or warfarin | Blood-clotting problems
NSAIDs like nabumetone can raise your risk of bleeding. Be careful if you also take other medications that make bleeding more likely, such as blood thinners. Let a healthcare professional know if you notice that you bruise easily or if it takes longer for bleeding to stop while taking nabumetone.
Some people can also have anemia (low red blood cell count) while taking nabumetone. Tell your care team if you feel very weak, dizzy, or short of breath. These could be signs of anemia, and your care team can check to make sure everything is okay.
Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
- Risk factors: Allergy to aspirin | Allergy to NSAIDs | Aspirin-sensitive asthma | Asthma with rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose), with or without nasal polyps
Severe allergic reactions to nabumetone are possible. These reactions can be life-threatening and can include facial swelling and anaphylaxis. Don't take this medication if you're allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs. You could also have an allergic reaction to nabumetone. Call 911 right away if you have hives, a swollen face, swollen lips or tongue, or trouble breathing after taking this medication.
Rarely, nabumetone can also cause other serious reactions. They include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These reactions can cause rash, blisters, or skin peeling. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) can happen with or without a rash. Stop taking nabumetone and get medical help as soon as possible if you have any unusual skin changes.
Not safe to take while pregnant
Nabumetone can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can raise the risk of serious health issues, like heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby.
If you're pregnant, talk to your prescriber or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about the risks and benefits of taking nabumetone. Ask if there are other safer options for you.
More on Nabumetone warnings
Nabumetone dosage
Interactions between Nabumetone and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Pixantrone
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
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.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Dicumarol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Nabumetone cost?
$19.72
Nabumetone contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Nabumetone will not be safe for you to take.
- History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
- Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
What are alternatives to Nabumetone?
Nabumetone images
