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Nabumetone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 11, 2023.

Applies to nabumetone: oral tablet.

Warning

Oral route (Tablet)

NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious or fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Nabumetone is contraindicated in the setting of CABG surgery. NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events.

Serious side effects of Nabumetone

Along with its needed effects, nabumetone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nabumetone:

More common

Less common

Rare

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Nabumetone

Some side effects of nabumetone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to nabumetone: oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (14%), dyspepsia (13%), abdominal pain (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, flatulence, nausea, positive stool guaiac, dry mouth, gastritis, stomatitis, vomiting

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Duodenal ulcer, GI bleeding, gastric ulcer, GI disorder, melena, stomatitis

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pancreatitis

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, dysphagia, gastroenteritis, duodenitis, eructation, glossitis, rectal bleeding[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated liver function tests

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatic failure, jaundice

Frequency not reported: Liver function abnormalities, gallstones[Ref]

Renal

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal failure, nephrotic syndrome

Frequency not reported: Albuminuria, azotemia, interstitial nephritis, renal stones[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Sweating increased, pruritus, rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Photosensitivity, urticaria

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bullous eruptions, pseudoporphyria cutanea tarda, acne, alopecia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, angioedema

Frequency not reported: Purpura[Ref]

Hematologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thrombocytopenia

Frequency not reported: Anemia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, somnolence

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia

Frequency not reported: Tremor, syncope, drowsiness[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion, anxiety

Frequency not reported: Agitation, depression, nightmares, hallucinations[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension/blood pressure increased

Frequency not reported: Vasculitis, angina, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, palpitations, thrombophlebitis, cardiac failure[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, respiratory disorder, epistaxis

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Interstitial pneumonitis

Frequency not reported: Asthma, cough, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm

Postmarketing reports: Eosinophilic pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis[Ref]

Other

Cases of aseptic meningitis have been reported, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease. Symptoms have included stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and disorientation.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, tinnitus, edema, ear disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia, fatigue

Frequency not reported: Malaise, vertigo, weight gain, gingivitis, taste disorder, fever, chills, weight loss, aseptic meningitis[Ref]

Genitourinary

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary tract disorder

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Menorrhagia

Frequency not reported: Bilirubinuria, dysuria, hematuria, impotence

Postmarketing reports: Vaginal bleeding[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Appetite increased, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia

Postmarketing reports: Hyperuricemia[Ref]

General

The most frequently reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal (GI) in nature and included diarrhea, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myopathy[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal vision, eye disorder

Frequency not reported: Optic neuritis[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Relafen (nabumetone). SmithKline Beecham. 2001;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.