Relafen
® (
nabumetone) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, swelling, and/or stiffness. It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs for short.
Relafen is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
What Is Relafen Used For?
Relafen is not a cure for these
types of arthritis, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.
Relafen and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, Relafen is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and painful conditions.
Relafen: When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Relafen include:
- Relafen comes in a tablet form. It is taken by mouth.
- Your Relafen dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the Relafen tablets.
- For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Relafen may take several weeks before it begins to work to its full potential.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will reduce the risk of serious side effects.
- Relafen should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For Relafen to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Relafen will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
The dose of Relafen your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(The Relafen side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of these side effects with you.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Relafen. Not everyone who takes Relafen will experience side effects. When side effects do occur, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects with Relafen include:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Gas
- Nausea
- Unexplained bleeding
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itching
- Unexplained rash
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Swelling.
Less common (but serious) side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestine problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reaction
- Unexplained rash.
These possible serious side effects are shared with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
(Click Relafen Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Relafen, including possible serious side effects to look out for.)
Drug Interactions With Relafen
Relafen can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
Relafen: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs, including Relafen, may have a higher risk of having a
heart attack or
stroke than those people who do not take NSAIDs. This warning does not apply to those who take aspirin. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs (excluding aspirin), including Relafen, for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
You should also talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Relafen if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems (or are taking medicine that decreases the ability of your blood to clot)
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Relafen and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Relafen may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sleepiness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Stopping of the heart.
If you happen to overdose on Relafen, seek medical attention immediately.
Relafen should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Relafen tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Relafen and all medications out of the reach of children.
Relafen: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Relafen as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Relafen is available in several strengths, including:
- Relafen 500 mg tablets
- Relafen 750 mg tablets.
There is a generic form of Relafen available.
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