Relafen: A New Drug with an Old Danger

Individuals who regularly take Relafen (nabumetone) or other anti-inflammatory medications, either for arthritis, joint pain, or other indications, should be aware of severe adverse health implications that can potentially result from prolonged use. Relafen is usually prescribed for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but can also be prescribed for other purposes. Relafen works by reducing the level of hormones in the body that can cause pain and inflammation. In addition to the warnings provided with the packaging of the medication and those related by a physician, there are other important concerns that users of Relafen should know about.

A severe adverse reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome has been linked to use of the drug Relafen. Relafen is in a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that have been linked to allergic skin reactions, including severe cases such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Other possible allergic reactions include urticaria, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, and the severe symptoms associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic reaction to certain drugs. In addition to NSAIDs, antibiotics such as sulfonamides, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ampicillin have been implicated. The symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome typically begin as some form of upper respiratory infection, including also fever, sore throat, inflammation of the mouth, chills, headaches, aching of the joints, and generally feeling ill. After onset, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome will continue to develop, affecting the various mucous membranes of the body, including the mouth, esophagus, nostrils, eyes, genitals, and anal regions. Lesions may develop and the skin may blister or even detach in severe cases.

If any of these symptoms lead to the belief that the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is occurring, immediate treatment is imperative. Sufferers of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome should be transported to an emergency room immediately, and will likely be treated in a intensive care burn unit. Even after treatment, long-term effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can include scarring, eye and vision problems, and even death. Some studies predict a 3-15% mortality rate in individuals with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome if left untreated. Any individuals with a known family history of adverse drug reactions, even if minor, should carefully consult with their physicians before taking Relafen or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Above all, it is crucial to be fully aware of all risks associated with the use of any drug.

For more information regarding Relafen (nabumetone)/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, please click here

---

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is an holistic approach that relies on natural... Read More

Fioricet: Migraine Remedy Medication Or Just Another Headache?

We've all had garden variety headaches from time to time.... Read More

Building A Medical Spa Inside Your Existing Medical Practice

The physicians conundrum: Everywhere, physicians are contemplating or engaged in... Read More

Stop Taking Blood Pressure Medications with Your Doctors Approval

I have been swallowing three varieties of blood pressure pills... Read More

Joint Pain Relief

If you joints are constantly killing you, here are three... Read More

Mind Altering

"It's a chemical imbalance." I've heard those words so many... Read More

Paxil Recall Lawyer Discusses Paxil Addiction

Paxil went on the market in 1992 at the height... Read More

Robotic Future of Hospitals; Pandemic Prevention and Bio-Terrorist Attack

There is a huge concern in the medical industry that... Read More

UltraCET: The Dynamic Duo Of Prescription Pain Control Medications

Remember the last time you stubbed your toe? OUCH! It's... Read More

A Look at the Different Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person... Read More

The Last Line of Defense Against Medication Errors: What You Need to Know to Keep your Family Safe

This is a true story.Yesterday, I picked up a new... Read More

?Foot Pain Relief At Last!?

"As an arthritis specialist, one area that I see people... Read More

Emollients and Lubricant Drugstore Laxatives

Stool Softener Laxatives - EmollientsStool softeners and emollients work by... Read More

Defective Heart Defibrillators Recalled by Guidant Corporation

On June17, 2005 Guidant Corporation recalled close to 50,000 heart... Read More

Increasing Patient Care and Reducing Liability in Seven Simple Steps

When an unconscious patient arrives in the ED, every hospital... Read More

Online Pharmacy Watch: DEA Does Spring Cleaning Of Illegal Internet Pharmacies

Since early 2004, it has become more apparent every day... Read More

The Basic First Aid for Child Care Programs

We cannot help but accept the fact that children do... Read More

Family Notification in Seven Quick and Easy Steps

The Seven Steps to Successful Notification is an easy-to-use system... Read More

Be Informed About The Medications You Take

The recent withdrawal of the prescription drugs Vioxx and ... Read More

Pain in the Butt. How to Deal with Hemorrhoids?

This is very sensitive area of your body. Too private.... Read More

Does Heel Pain Mean that I Need to Stop Running?

Heel pain, medically termed plantar fasciitis, is a common and... Read More

Prescription Drugs from International Pharmacies Save Elderly Money

As pointed out by *Jack Shapiro, an internationally-known healthcare marketing... Read More

The Trouble with Tranqs

There's a whole group of drugs out there called benzodiazepines.They... Read More

Bextra Recall: Lawyer Says Help Is On The Way

By now, you have probably heard of the prescription drug... Read More

Common Drugs and Their Uses

The five drugs that are discussed in this article are... Read More

Web Therapy: Enhancing Patient Communication with Web Access

According to Jennifer Lyons' chart, she's just a bad slip... Read More

Health Information: Coping With Stomach Ulcers

Do you suffer from ulcers?If yes, what kind is it... Read More

Seroquel Side Effects: Effects of Seroquel Worth the Risk?

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used to... Read More

A Fresh Start Plan for People With Neck Pain!

"If you have to deal with chronic neck pain, it... Read More

A Look At Acid Reflux Treatment

Heartburn is a by-product of digestion, specifically affecting the esophagus... Read More

Risperdal Side Effects: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome NMS

Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic drug that balances the levels... Read More

VIOXX Lawsuits

Vioxx is a prescription medication that has been used primarily... Read More

How Is Mold Like AIDS?

Don't laugh. Both get a lot of coverage in the... Read More