Two medicines, side by side
Nabumetone vs naproxen
Nabumetone and naproxen are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of nabumetone since 1991 and of naproxen since 1976. Pharmacies paid $0.128 per nabumetone 500 mg tablet and $0.0565 per naproxen 500 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026). Nabumetone's other strengths are brand-only: $31.67 per Relafen ds 1,000 mg tablet.
Check it at the source: the nabumetone FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 13, 2025); the naproxen FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 12, 2026).
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
Highlights of the naproxen record
Naproxen (Aleve) · label of March 12, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: minor pain of arthritis muscular aches backache menstrual cramps headache toothache the common cold temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- March 11, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 139 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0565 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 8
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Nabumetone label of January 13, 2025, Naproxen label of March 12, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do nabumetone and naproxen 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: nabumetone since 2000; naproxen since 1992 (Drugs@FDA).
| Nabumetone | Naproxen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Fever, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | 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 … | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 24, 1991 | March 11, 1976 |
| First generic approved | May 26, 2000 | October 30, 1992 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 28 labelers | 139 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.128 per tablet (Nabumetone 500 mg tablet) | $0.0565 per tablet (Naproxen 500 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +5% | -9% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 1 | 8 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 6,395 | 142,225 |
| 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?
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.
Naproxen label, drug interactions (prescription label)Concomitant use of naproxen with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to nabumetone
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions