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 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.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Relafen include the following:
- Relafen comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth.
- Your dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent an upset stomach.
- 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 in your blood.
- For Relafen to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication 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 taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Relafen. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects 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.
(Click Relafen Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Relafen?
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) 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.
In addition, 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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
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 take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Relafen Be Stored?
Relafen should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Relafen as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Relafen tablets are available in several strengths, including:
- Relafen 500 mg
- Relafen 750 mg.
A generic form of Relafen is available
(see Generic Relafen for more information).
