Relafen vs. Cataflam

• Are Relafen and Cataflam the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Relafen?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Cataflam?
• What Is Relafen?
• What Is Cataflam?
• What Drugs Interact with Relafen?
• What Drugs Interact with Cataflam?
• How Should Relafen Be Taken?
• How Should Cataflam Be Taken?

Relafen (nabumetone) and Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.

Cataflam is also used to treat pain or inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis.

The brand name Relafen is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Side effects of Relafen and Cataflam that are similar include upset stomach, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, nervousness, skin itching or rash, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Side effects of Cataflam that are different from Relafen include drowsiness.

Both Relafen and Cataflam may interact with alcohol blood thinners, lithium, methotrexate, heart or blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), steroids, and aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Relafen may also interact with antidepressants and ACE inhibitors.

Cataflam may also interact with cyclosporine, isoniazid, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, antifungals, and cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Common side effects of Relafen include:

• upset stomach,
• heartburn,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in your ears.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including Relafen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is another potentially serious side effect of Relafen.

Common side effects of Cataflam include:

• upset stomach,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• headache,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• skin rash or itching,
• blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Cataflam including:

• swelling of the hands or feet (edema),
• sudden or unexplained weight gain,
• hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears),
• mental/mood changes,
• difficult or painful swallowing, or
• unusual tiredness.

Relafen (nabumetone) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. The brand name drug Relafen is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Cataflam is available in generic form.

Relafen may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, lithium, methotrexate, diuretics (water pills), steroids, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or ACE inhibitors.. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and Relafen should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use during late pregnancy should be avoided because of the known effects of NSAIDs in the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus). It is not known whether Relafen is excreted in human milk; a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the Relafen.

Cataflam may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics, steroids, antifungals, aspirin or other NSAIDs, cholesterol-lowering medicines, or heart or blood pressure medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Cataflam should be used only when prescribed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. This drug may cause miscarriage. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the fetus and interference with normal labor/delivery. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

For treatment of pain the recommended dosage of Cataflam is 50 mg, taken two to four times daily, depending on the cause.