(na-BYOO-me-tone)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

BRAND NAME
Relafen

DRUG CLASS
Analgesic (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory [NSAID])

DESCRIPTION
This drug inhibits the production of prostaglandin by decreasing the activity of the enzyme responsible for its production. Prostaglandins are known mediators of pain and inflammation.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, skin rash, abdominal cramps, heartburn, indigestion, headache, nervousness, itching, fluid retention, vomiting.

CAUTIONS
  • Notify your doctor if you have an allergy to other NSAIDs or aspirin.
  • Inform your doctor if you have gastric bleeding, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, dehydration, decreased kidney or liver function, history of gastric disease or those receiving anticoagulants.
  • Elderly are at high risk of adverse effects from NSAIDs.
  • May be associated with photosensitivity reactions (skin reaction related to sun exposure).
  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
  • May cause changes in kidney or liver function, fluid retention.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparins), other antiplatelet drugs (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, aspirin, abciximab, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, tirofiban), cyclosporine, lithium, corticosteroids, methotrexate, antihypertensive drugs (such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin antagonists, diuretics and hydralazine), cholestyramine, colestipol

FOOD INTERACTIONS
May be taken without regard to meals.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Cat’s claw, dong quai, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, red clover, horse chestnut, green tea, ginseng

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C, D (third trimester). Excreted in breast milk. Refrain from breast-feeding while taking this drug.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
In 2005, the FDA requested that manufacturers of all prescription NSAIDs revise their product labeling to include a black box warning regarding the potential for serious adverse cardiac events and potentially life-threatening gastric adverse events associated with the use. In addition, this class of drugs is not to be used in patients who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. A medication guide regarding this new information should be dispensed at each prescription.

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