The following information is a summary about Relafen. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
| On April 7, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they are asking manufacturers of all prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to revise the drug labeling (package insert) to include a ''boxed'' or serious warning about the potential for increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) and serious and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with their use. This information will also state that patients who have just had heart surgery should not take these medications. You should talk to your doctor if you are taking one of these drugs and have any questions or concerns about this new information. For more information visit the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/COX2/default.htm. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Nabumetone is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Nabumetone is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
How should this medicine be used?
Nabumetone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take nabumetone, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nabumetone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking nabumetone,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nabumetone, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), and diuretics ('water pills'). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ulcers; high blood pressure; heart failure; or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nabumetone, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nabumetone.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Nabumetone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Nabumetone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- stomach pain
- constipation
- gas or bloating
- upset stomach
- dizziness
- headache
- dry mouth
- white patches in the mouth
- vomiting
- excessive tiredness
- nervousness
- increased sweating
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unexpected weight gain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- ringing in the ears
Nabumetone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- lack of energy
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- coma
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to nabumetone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
