What is Nabumetone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nabumetone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Relafen DS, Relafen

Generic Names:

  • Nabumetone

Uses:

  • Treats pain and arthritis. This medicine is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nabumetone used for?

Nabumetone is a medication used to treat joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis. Nabumetone belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nabumetone is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Relafen. It was developed by Beecham, and the drug has been available for years. In the treatment of arthritis, nabumetone use is common.

What form(s) does Nabumetone come in

  • Tablet

What are common Nabumetone doses?

  • Tablet 500MG

  • Tablet 750MG

Common Nabumetone prescriptions

  • Nabumetone
    500mg tablet

  • Nabumetone
    750mg tablet

How to take Nabumetone

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

  • Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nabumetone

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Nabumetone contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nabumetone, aspirin, or other pain and arthritis medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Motrin®, or Vioxx®. The reaction may have included wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, rash, or swelling in the face. Do not use this medicine right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.

Nabumetone warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or other heart or circulation problems.

  • This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid or a blood thinner).

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Sudden or severe headache.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Severe stomach pain.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Flu-like symptoms.

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.

  • This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Nabumetone interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a steroid such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®.

  • Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.

  • This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Nabumetone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Flu-like symptoms.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools.

  • Problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Severe stomach pain.

  • Sudden or severe headache.

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dizziness, headache, or weakness.

  • Ringing in your ears.

  • Mild nausea or stomach pain.

  • Diarrhea or constipation.

  • Indigestion or gas.