Drug Uses

Relafen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis).

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To minimize side effect risks (e.g., stomach bleeding), use this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed. For chronic conditions such as arthritis, continue taking it as directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting, sun sensitivity, difficult/painful swallowing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking nabumetone and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Also, related drugs rarely have caused blood clots to form, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. This medication might also rarely cause similar problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of treatment, as well as other possible medication choices. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, stop taking nabumetone and seek immediate medical attention: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Relafen overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature away from direct exposure to heat and light. Keep away from children.