Relafen 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).
Relafen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Relafen, especially in older adults.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Relafen (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Do not drink alcohol while taking Relafen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by nabumetone. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Relafen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
Before taking this medicine
Relafen 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).
Relafen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Relafen, especially in older adults.
You should not use Relafen if you are allergic to nabumetone, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
To make sure Relafen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
stomach ulcers or bleeding;
asthma;
liver or kidney disease; or
fluid retention.
If you are pregnant, you should not take Relafen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Relafen is not FDA-approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Relafen?
Take Relafen exactly as it was prescribed for you. 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 Relafen 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.
