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Relafen vs. Celebrex

Are Relafen and Celebrex the Same Thing?

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

Celebrex is also used for familial FAP, acute pain, and menstrual cramps.

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

Side effects of Relafen and Celebrex that are similar include upset stomach, heartburn/indigestion, stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, nervousness, and skin rash.

Side effects of Relafen that are different from Celebrex include constipation, itching, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Side effects of Celebrex that are different from Relafen include nausea, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sleep problems (insomnia), and serious stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Both Relafen and Celebrex may interact with alcohol, antidepressants, blood thinners, lithium, heart or blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), aspirin or other NSAIDs, or ACE inhibitors.

Relafen may also interact with methotrexate and steroids.

Celebrex may also interact with fluconazole.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Relafen?

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.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Celebrex?

Common side effects of Celebrex include:

  • headache,
  • abdominal pain,
  • indigestion,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • upset stomach,
  • bloating,
  • gas,
  • dizziness,
  • nervousness,
  • headache,
  • runny or stuffy nose,
  • sore throat,
  • skin rash, and
  • insomnia.

Celebrex may cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers.

What Is Relafen?

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.

What Is Celebrex?

Celebrex used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as different types of arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other types of short-term pain.

What Drugs Interact With Relafen?

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.

What Drugs Interact With Celebrex?

Do not take Celebrex:

How Should Relafen Be Taken?

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

How Should Celebrex Be Taken?

Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of Celebrex and other treatment options before deciding to use Celebrex. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

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