Living with joint pain and conditions like arthritis can be very difficult at times, isn't it? There are times when the pain is so severe that you can't even walk or do anything useful, making life miserable. So, one of the main types of medication that a doctor prescribes for us at times like these is painkillers. Today we are talking about one such painkiller, a drug called Nabumetone, which is commonly prescribed for arthritis.
What is Nabumetone?
Simply put, this is a medicine that reduces pain and swelling (inflammation) in your body. To be precise, this is a medicine that belongs to the group of 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs', that is, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) . When you have a condition like arthritis, this medicine helps control the pain and swelling associated with it. Doctors may also prescribe it for pain caused by other causes.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting any medication, it is important to give your doctor a complete history of your health. Especially before starting a medication like Nabumetone, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| The situation or habit that applies to you | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, or high blood pressure. | This medication may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| A recent bypass surgery (Coronary artery bypass graft - CABG). | It is not recommended to take this medication during the first two weeks after surgery. |
| Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or intestinal problems. | This medicine increases the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. |
| Kidney or liver disease. | This medication can affect kidney and liver function. |
| Medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) or bleeding disorders. | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Use of steroids (e.g. Prednisone, Dexamethasone). | The risk of stomach side effects may increase. |
| Asthma or respiratory disease. | Some people may experience breathing difficulties. |
| Smoking or frequent drinking. | These habits increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This medicine is not suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers. |
| Having an allergy to this medicine or other medicines or foods. | This is important to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, in the prescribed dose, and at the correct time. It is usually best to take it at the same time every day.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take the medicine after a meal .
- Do not stop suddenly: Continue taking the medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own.
- If you are over 65 years old: People over 65 years old may feel the effects of this medicine more. Therefore, they may need a lower dose. Your doctor will decide this.
- For children: Special care is needed if this medicine is given to children, so do so only on medical advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Nabumetone can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking. This medicine may interact with the following, in particular:
- Alcohol
- Aspirin
- Other painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Naproxen)
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin)
- Blood pressure medication
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Pemetrexed
- Cidofovir
This list is not complete, so it is safest to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Stomach bleeding and ulcers: This is the main risk with these medications. Smoking, drinking alcohol, being older, and having poor health can increase this risk. If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools , seek medical advice immediately.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this risk may be slightly increased with long-term use or if you already have heart disease. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor about taking nabumetone.
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes, serious skin reactions can occur weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a rash with symptoms similar to fever and chills , or if the rash turns red or purple, then blisters and peels, see a doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy: If you are planning to become pregnant, or are already pregnant, talk to your doctor about this. Taking this medicine, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, may cause serious harm to the baby. Taking this medicine after 30 weeks is not recommended at all.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Possible side effects of the medicine
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; red or dark brown urine; red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain/tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, hands, sudden weight gain. |
| Kidney problems | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver disorders | Upper right abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Appetite |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort/inflammation |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medications. To dispose of unwanted medications, check with your doctor or the label to see if they are safe to throw away. If you are throwing them away, remove the pills from the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds or soil, put them in a bag, seal it well, and discard.
Take-Home Message
- Nabumetone is a useful medication for controlling pain and swelling. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Always use it only under medical advice.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Always be on the lookout for warning signs such as stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe skin rashes. If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- While taking this medicine, do not take other painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen without consulting your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are a nursing mother, avoid taking this medicine and talk to your doctor.
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