Nabumetone

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Nabumetone for a long time. Do not use Nabumetone right before or after bypass heart surgery.

Nabumetone may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.

                       Nabumetone is used for:

Treating rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nabumetone is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes those symptoms.

                        Use Nabumetone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Nabumetone comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Nabumetone refilled.

    * Take Nabumetone by mouth. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. This may not lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset.

    * Take Nabumetone with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) as directed by your doctor.

    * If you miss a dose of Nabumetone and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nabumetone

                        .    * Nabumetone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nabumetone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

    * Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Nabumetone . Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Nabumetone with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.

    * Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

    * Nabumetone is an NSAID. Before you start taking any new medicine, read the ingredients. If it also has an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) in it, check with your doctor. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

    * Do not take aspirin while you are using Nabumetone unless your doctor tells you to.

    * Nabumetone may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Nabumetone . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for any length of time.

    * Lab tests, including kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure, may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

    * Use Nabumetone with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, including stomach bleeding and kidney problems.

    * Nabumetone should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

    * PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Nabumetone may harm the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nabumetone while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nabumetone is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Nabumetone .

                                Store Nabumetone at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nabumetone out of the reach of children and away from pets.