Generic Name: rofecoxib (oral) (row feh COCK sib)
Typical Brand Names: Vioxx
What Is It Used For?
Vioxx is used to relieve the patients having symptoms of osteoarthritis
and to treat painful menstrual discomfort or pain after surgeries.
Rofecoxib is also used to heal the stiffness caused by osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and certain forms of juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis; to manage acute pain in adults; and to treat migraines.
It is also used for many other purposes other than those listed
in medication guides.
How Is It Used?
The prescribed dose of Vioxx drug for acute pain syndromes and
menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea) is 50 mg once daily for
a maximum of 5 days. It should be taken with a glassful of water.
The prescribed 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. Vioxx may
be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Vioxx may include abdominal pain, tenderness,
or discomfort; nausea; blood in your vomit; bloody, black, or
tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention;
fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of your skin
or eyes;" flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or
bleeding.
Less serious side effects like: dizziness, mild fatigue, and
diarrhea are more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
It is advisable not to intake VIOXX if you have had a severe allergic
reaction to aspirin or any drug containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug. A severe reaction includes a severe rash,
hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including
aspirin-sensitive asthma, allergies, or if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding. If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every
day, ask your doctor whether you should take Vioxx or other pain
relievers / fever reducers. Vioxx may cause stomach bleeding.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking Vioxx drug.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Vioxx.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose
or condition may be needed if you are taking an ACE inhibitor,
an anticoagulant, furosemide, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin,
thiazide diuretics, or warfarin. Talk to your doctor before taking
any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines with rofecoxib.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Rofecoxib should be kept at room temperature (between 15º-30º
C (59º-86º F)) away from moisture and heat. Keep out
of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot
open. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Anything Else I Should Know?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during
treatment with rofecoxib, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Vioxx is also in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. So, it should
be avoided late in pregnancy because it may affect the formation
of the baby's heart. Do not take rofecoxib without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
