GENERIC NAME: nabumetone
BRAND NAME: Relafen
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever,
pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic
relievers of
mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury,
menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. 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.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 500mg, 750mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Nabumetone should be avoided by
patients with
a history of asthma exacerbation, hives, or other allergic
reactions to
aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions
have been
reported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by
patients with
peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this
medication can
aggravate both conditions. Nabumetone is generally used with
caution in
patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants),
such as
warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding.
Patients
taking lithium can develop toxic blood lithium levels. Patients
taking
cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity.
Use in children has not been adequately studied. Nabumetone is
not habit
forming. NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective
surgery because
of a mild interference with clotting that is characteristic of
this group
of medicines. Nabumetone is best discontinued at least two days
in advance
of the procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
nabumetone or
other NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Nabumetone is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Nabumetone is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
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, it can still
cause
ulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and
even serious
gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach
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 can also occur.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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