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Rofecoxib
Brand
Name: Vioxx
Most
Common Medical Uses
Vioxx
is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2
inhibitor used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused
by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; to manage pain in adults;
and to treat menstrual pain. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Vioxx can be taken with or
without food or milk.The usual dose of Vioxx for acute pain syndromes
and menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea) is 50 mg once daily
for no longer than 5 days. The usual dose of Vioxx for treatment
of osteoarthritis is 12.5 mg daily although some patients may benefit
from 25 mg daily. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 25 mg.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects that may occur while taking Vioxx include weakness
or nausea. Do not take Vioxx without first talking to your doctor
if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after
taking aspirin or another NSAID product. If symptoms continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you experience itching
or skin rash, swelling of the feet or ankles, unexpected weight
gain, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, or blood
in stool or vomit, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or
tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; flu-like
symptoms; sluggishness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; stomach pain;
dark urine or pale stools; or unusual fatigue. If you experience
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
Do
not take Vioxx if you have had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin
or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril). A severe reaction
includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.
Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells
you to do so. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine
for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. ALCOHOL
WARNING: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask
your doctor whether you should take this medicine or other pain
relievers/fever reducers. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding.
FOR WOMEN: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
Do not breast feed while taking this medicine. It is unknown if
this medicine is excreted in breast milk.
Drug
Interactions
Talk
to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking 1 dose daily,
take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed
dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take a double
dose of this medication unless instructed by your doctor.
Storage
Store
this medicine at room temperature - 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)
in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do
not share Ultram with others for whom it was not prescribed, since
they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this
drug.
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