Nabumetone
NABUMETONE – ORAL (nab-YOU-meh-tone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Relafen
USES: Nabumetone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used to treat the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often without your doctor’s approval. May be taken with or without food. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue, drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in amount or color of the urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, fever, vision changes. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, coffee-ground vomit, persistent stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing. If you noticed other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: any liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, any allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of this drug in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. It is unknown if nabumetone is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: ‘blood thinners’ (e.g., warfarin), other arthritis medication, water pills, lithium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: In arthritis, it may take up to two weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results, this medication must be taken regularly and used together with a proper exercise program as directed by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
