Relafen

Relafen

     * Generic Name: nabumetone
     * Brand Name: Relafen


     * What is nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * What are the possible side effects of nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * How should I take nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Relafen)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Relafen)?
     * What should I avoid while taking nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * What other drugs will affect nabumetone (Relafen)?
     * Where can I get more information (Relafen)?

What is nabumetone (Relafen)?

   Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
   Nabumetone works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain
   in the body.

   Nabumetone is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
   or osteoarthritis.

   Nabumetone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of nabumetone (Relafen)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble
   breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or
   stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden
   numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech,
   feeling short of breath.

   Stop using nabumetone and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
     * swelling or rapid weight gain;
     * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain, indigestion, nausea;
     * diarrhea, constipation, gas;
     * swelling in your hands and feet;
     * headache, dizziness;
     * itching, skin rash; or
     * ringing in your ears.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about nabumetone
(Relafen)?

   Nabumetone can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart
   bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Nabumetone may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   nabumetone, especially in older adults.

   Relafen Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Osteoarthritis (OA): Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis

   Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow Pictures
   Osteoarthritis: 15 Tips to Improve Daily Living With OA

   Osteoarthritis Tips for Living Better Daily Slideshow
   Osteoarthritis:Exercises for OA of the Knee

   Exercises for OA of the Knee Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nabumetone
(Relafen)?

   Nabumetone can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke,
   especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have
   heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could
   have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

   Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery
   (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

   Nabumetone may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be
   fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using
   nabumetone, especially in older adults.

   You should not use nabumetone if you are allergic to it, or if you have
   ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking
   aspirin or an NSAID.

   To make sure nabumetone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
       diabetes, or if you smoke;
     * a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
     * a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
     * asthma;
     * liver or kidney disease; or
     * fluid retention.

   Taking nabumetone during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the
   unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant.

   It is not known whether nabumetone passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

   Nabumetone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take nabumetone (Relafen)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than
   recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your
   condition.

   You may take nabumetone with or without food.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
   tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
   tightly closed when not in use.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Relafen Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Osteoarthritis (OA): Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis

   Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow Pictures
   Osteoarthritis: 15 Tips to Improve Daily Living With OA

   Osteoarthritis Tips for Living Better Daily Slideshow
   Osteoarthritis:Exercises for OA of the Knee

   Exercises for OA of the Knee Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Relafen)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Relafen)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nabumetone (Relafen)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

   Avoid taking aspirin while you are taking nabumetone.

   Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or pain
   medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin
   or other medicines similar to nabumetone. Taking certain products
   together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication.
   Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen,
   ketoprofen, or naproxen.

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Nabumetone can make you
   sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect nabumetone (Relafen)?

   Ask your doctor before using nabumetone if you take an antidepressant
   such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac),
   fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft),
   trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an
   NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * lithium;
     * methotrexate;
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or
       "water pill"; or
     * steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with nabumetone,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Relafen)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about nabumetone.
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