Two medicines, side by side
Diclofenac vs nabumetone
Diclofenac and nabumetone are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of diclofenac since 1988 and of nabumetone since 1991. Pharmacies paid $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet and $0.128 per nabumetone 500 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Nabumetone's other strengths are brand-only: $31.67 per Relafen ds 1,000 mg tablet.
Check it at the source: the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025); the nabumetone FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 13, 2025).
Highlights of the diclofenac record
Diclofenac (Voltaren) · label of February 11, 2025
Used for
From the label: indications• for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: o hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) o foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) • this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 28, 1988
- Generic labelers
- 149 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0619 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 6
Highlights of the nabumetone record
Nabumetone (Relafen) · label of January 13, 2025
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Nabumetone tablets are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Contraindications and Warnings ].
Used for
From the label: indicationsCarefully consider the potential benefits and risks of nabumetone tablets, USP and other treatment options before deciding to use nabumetone tablets. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS ). Nabumetone tablets, USP are indicated for relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 24, 1991
- Generic labelers
- 28 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.128 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 1
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025, Nabumetone label of January 13, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do diclofenac and nabumetone differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: diclofenac since 1995; nabumetone since 2000 (Drugs@FDA).
| Diclofenac | Nabumetone | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | 7% –unidentified minor metabolites 34% Total % Dose: 73% Following oral administration of dosages of 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg to steady state, the mean plasma clearance of 6MNA is 20 to 30 mL/min and the elimination … |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 28, 1988 | December 24, 1991 |
| First generic approved | June 29, 1995 | May 26, 2000 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 149 labelers | 28 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) | $0.128 per tablet (Nabumetone 500 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -25% | +5% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 6 | 1 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 158,675 | 6,395 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Diclofenac label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Nabumetone label, drug interactionsThe clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of nabumetone tablets and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to diclofenac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions