Flamfix 500

Indications

Nabumetone is used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How It Works

Nabumetone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). After it is absorbed, the liver changes it into its active form, which blocks the COX enzymes that make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation, so lowering them eases pain and swelling.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 1 g once a day, taken at bedtime.
• For severe or persistent symptoms, the doctor may add a further 500 mg to 1 g in the morning (up to 2 g a day).
• Older people: usually no more than 1 g a day; a lower dose may be enough.
• Children: not recommended.
• Take it with or after food. Dispersible tablets can be stirred into a glass of water before drinking.

Use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms, for the shortest time needed.

Interactions

• Other NSAIDs, including Aspirin and Ibuprofen: more stomach side effects; avoid taking together.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners, Clopidogrel, steroid tablets, and SSRI antidepressants such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline: higher risk of bleeding.
• ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and diuretics: may reduce their effect on blood pressure and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Lithium and Methotrexate: their levels may rise.
• Ciclosporin and Tacrolimus: higher risk of kidney damage.

Contraindications

• Allergy to nabumetone, or asthma, hives or a runny nose caused by Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Active stomach or bowel ulcer or bleeding, or a history of ulcers or bleeding from NSAIDs.
• Severe heart failure, severe liver disease or severe kidney disease.
• The last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Right after heart bypass surgery.

Side Effects

Common: diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, wind, nausea, headache, dizziness, rash, itching, ringing in the ears and ankle swelling. NSAIDs can also raise blood pressure and slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Get urgent medical help if you have black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, chest pain, weakness of one side of the body or slurred speech, a severe skin reaction (blistering or peeling), swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or passing very little urine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid during pregnancy unless a doctor advises it, and do not use it from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards unless specifically directed, as it can affect the baby's kidneys and heart. It must not be used in the last 3 months. Not recommended while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care in older people and in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver problems, asthma, or a history of stomach problems; the doctor may add a stomach-protecting medicine. Drink enough fluids. It can make it harder to become pregnant while taking it. Dizziness can affect driving.

Overdose

Too much can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and stomach bleeding. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.