RELAFEN

Who is Relafen for ?

Nabumetone is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nabumetone is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body called prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. Nabumetone blocks prostaglandin production by decreasing the activity of an enzyme, called cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which is used to make prostaglandins.

When should I be careful taking Relafen ?

Before taking nabumetone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nabumetone, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ("water pills"), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for diabetes or arthritis, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; or any other gastrointestinal 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.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Side Effects

Although side effects from nabumetone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness
• nervousness
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• gas
• constipation
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• bloody vomit
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
• ringing in the ears
• vision changes
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• sudden weight gain
• skin rash
• itching