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Medication Written by Pharmacists Reviewed by Doctors

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: nabumetone

BRAND NAME: Relafen

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nabumetone belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the body that are responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDs block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. Since the response to different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not unusual for a doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition. The FDA approved nabumetone in December 1991.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 500, and 750 mg

STORAGE: Store at 20-25 C (68-77 F), in a sealed, light- resistant container. Avoid moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nabumetone is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Nabumetone has the convenience of once daily dosing.

DOSING: May be taken with or without food. The recommended starting dose is 1000 mg daily as a single dose. Some patients may respond better to 1500 or 2000 mg daily. The lowest effective dose should be used.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Nabumetone, like other NSAIDs is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs.

Nabumetone may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.

Nabumetone may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure.

When nabumetone is used in combination with aminoglycosides [for example, gentamicin (Garamycin)] the blood levels of the aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because the elimination of aminoglycosides from the body is reduced. This may lead to more aminoglycoside-related side effects.

Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants [for example, warfarin (Coumadin)] should avoid nabumetone because nabumetone also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.

Combining NSAIDs with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) may reduce the elimination of methotrexate from the body and result in increased side effects of methotrexate.

Persons who have more than three alcoholic beverages per day are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking nabumetone or other NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Like other NSAIDs, nabumetone is generally avoided during pregnancy because it may affect the cardiovascular system of the fetus.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether nabumetone is excreted in breast-milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients, benefit from nabumetone and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of nabumetone involve the gastrointestinal system. Some studies have shown that nabumetone may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects than the other NSAID medications. However, like the other NSAID medications, it still can cause ulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver toxicity. Sometimes, ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, and lightheadedness also can occur. NSAIDs reduce the ability of blood to clot and therefore increase bleeding after an injury. Nabumetone should be avoided by patients with a history of exacerbation of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been reported in such individuals.


Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2008




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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
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  • Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
  • ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.

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