Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that reduces inflammation and body pain from medical conditions such as cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people feel better after taking this medication, but it sometimes can produce bothersome side effects or cause serious medical complications. Those with questions about nabumetone should discuss their concerns with a doctor or pharmacist.
Use
Nabumetone comes as a pill or a liquid, and people may take this medication with milk, food or antacids. The dose depends upon the specific circumstances, but people usually take this medication once or twice a day. Individuals who are not sure about dosing or usage instructions should contact a doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of nabumetone include ringing in the ears, blurred vision, skin itching, rash, bloating, gas, upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea or constipation.
Considerations
People with certain medical background or lifestyles may be at a greater risk of experiencing complications while taking nabumetone. These include those with asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, polyps in the nose, a bleeding or clotting disorder, liver or kidney disease and those who smoke. Individuals with a history of stroke, heart attack, blood clots and stomach ulcers are also at risk for complications.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Pregnant women who take nabumetone during the last three months of pregnancy may harm their unborn baby. This medication falls under U.S. Food and Drug Administration pregnancy category C, which means it is unclear whether the medication will harm the developing baby at other times during the pregnancy. This medication also may pass through breast milk during breast feeding and harm a nursing infant.
Accidental Overdose
Many other cold, allergy or pain medications contain medications similar to nabumetone. Taking these products while taking nabumetone increases the risk of accidental overdose. Those taking nabumetone should carefully read the labels of all over-the-counter medications and talk to a doctor pharmacist if they are unsure about an ingredient in an over-the-counter product. Signs of an overdose include nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, vomiting, bloody or black stools, coughing up blood, fainting, shallow breathing and coma. People who have taken too much nabumetone require emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact negatively with nabumetone. These include antidepressants, blood thinners, diuretics, steroids, other NSAIDs, some ACE inhibitors, methotrexate and lithium. Other prescription and over-the-counter medications may also interact with nabumetone. Individuals should not begin using nabumetone until they have told their doctor about all the prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements they use.
Warning
Nabumetone can cause serious medical complications, including heart attack, stroke, circulation problems and serious effects on the stomach or intestines, according to MedlinePlus. These complications can be fatal. The risk of experiencing these increases the longer a person uses nabumetone. Signs of these complications include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance, unusual stools, coughing up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds. Individuals experiencing any of these should seek immediate emergency medical attention.
