Two medicines, side by side
Ibuprofen vs nabumetone
Ibuprofen and nabumetone are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of ibuprofen since 1974 and of nabumetone since 1991. Pharmacies paid $0.0573 per ibuprofen 800 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 ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026); the nabumetone FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 13, 2025).
Highlights of the ibuprofen record
Ibuprofen (Advil) · label of January 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications■ temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: ■ headache ■ muscular aches ■ minor pain of arthritis ■ toothache ■ backache ■ the common cold ■ menstrual cramps ■ temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 19, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 245 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0573 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 40
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 (Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026, Nabumetone label of January 13, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do ibuprofen 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: ibuprofen since 1985; nabumetone since 2000 (Drugs@FDA).
| Ibuprofen | Nabumetone | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold | 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) | September 19, 1974 | December 24, 1991 |
| First generic approved | February 8, 1985 | May 26, 2000 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 245 labelers | 28 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) | $0.128 per tablet (Nabumetone 500 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -2% | +5% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 40 | 1 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 270,516 | 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?
Ibuprofen label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential for 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 ibuprofen
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions