Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nabumetone is a nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, andinflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers ofmild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the response todifferent NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not unusual for adoctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 500mg, 750mg

STORAGE: Store at room temperature in a sealed, light-resistantcontainer. Avoid moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nabumetone is used for the treatment ofinflammation and pain that results from rheumatoid arthritis andosteoarthritis. Nabumetone has the convenience of once daily dosing.

DOSING: May be taken with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Nabumetone should be avoided by patients witha history of asthma exacerbation, hives, or other allergic reactions toaspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have beenreported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients withpeptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication canaggravate both conditions. Nabumetone is generally used with caution inpatients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding. Patientstaking lithium can develop toxic blood lithium levels. Patients takingcyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity.

Use in children has not been adequately studied. Nabumetone is not habitforming. NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery becauseof a mild interference with clotting that is characteristic of this groupof medicines. Nabumetone is best discontinued at least two days in advanceof the procedure.

Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are atincreased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking nabumetone orother NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: Nabumetone is generally avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Nabumetone is generally avoided in nursingmothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from nabumetone and otherNSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, andgenerally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use thelowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common sideeffects of nabumetone involve the gastrointestinal system. Some studieshave shown that nabumetone may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal sideeffects than the other NSAID medications. However, it can still causeulcerations, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even seriousgastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomachulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarrystools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in the ears, andlightheadedness can also occur.