Nabumetone Risks, Warnings, and Complications

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: Taking nabumetone and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for long periods of time can lead to an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. People with a history of heart disease are at a greater risk. If you are planning to have or have recently had heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or heart bypass surgery), you should not take nabumetone. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose of nabumetone for the shortest time possible to control your arthritis symptoms. Make sure you know the warning symptoms of heart attack and stroke, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness, weakness, confusion, and trouble speaking. Seek emergency medical help if they occur.

GI TOXICITY: Nabumetone and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of bleeding, ulceration, and perforation in the stomach and intestines. Blood loss from GI bleeding can lead to anemia. The risk of gastrointestinal adverse events is higher in older adults (age 65 plus). Other risk factors include people with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease, people who smoke or drink alcohol, those taking NSAIDs for a long time, and those who are on other medications such as steroids, aspirin, and blood thinners. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop sharp or sudden stomach pain, bright red blood in vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark, tarry stools, pale skin, weakness, or fatigue during treatment with nabumetone.

HYPERTENSION: Nabumetone can lead to new or worsening hypertension (high blood pressure), which can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Your provider will likely ask you to check your blood pressure regularly while on this medicine.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE: Some patients develop fluid retention and edema (swelling) on nabumetone. This medicine should therefore be used in caution with patients who have congestive heart failure as it can cause worsening of the condition. If you have this diagnosis and are on nabumetone, your healthcare provider will keep a close eye on you for signs of worsening.

KIDNEY PROBLEMS: NSAID use can cause renal toxicity, kidney injury, and decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which can result in permanent kidney damage. People with a history of kidney problems, older adults (age 65 and above), those taking diuretics (water pills), and people with heart failure or liver problems are at a greater risk. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any urinary symptoms while on this medicine, such as pain with urination or difficulty urinating. 

SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Nabumetone can cause a serious allergic reaction. You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past or if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma (asthma that is made worse by aspirin). Tell your healthcare professional immediately or seek emergency medical care if you develop skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat after taking nabumetone.

LIFE-THREATENING SKIN REACTIONS: Nabumetone can cause serious skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These reactions can develop suddenly and may even be fatal. Get medical care immediately if you develop a painful skin rash, blisters, peeling, or flu-like symptoms. 

RISK DURING PREGNANCY: Nabumetone should not be used during pregnancy, especially in late pregnancy after 20 weeks, as it can cause congenital malformations (birth defects) in the unborn baby and problems during childbirth. If you are pregnant and need medications to manage arthritis symptoms, your provider can recommend other safer medications.