Drug Name: VIOXX
ROFECOXIB - ORAL (row-feh-COX-ib)
COMMON VIOXX BRAND NAME(S):
Vioxx
VIOXX USES:
Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). Vioxx is used to treat arthritis, menstrual pain or other acute pain. Vioxx works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Vioxx decreases prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
HOW TO USE VIOXX:
Take Vioxx by mouth, generally once daily as directed. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, Vioxx is best taken with food. Vioxx dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take Vioxx with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Vioxx.
VIOXX SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset or tiredness may occur after taking Vioxx. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly any of the following Vioxx symptoms: severe headache, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes, very stiff neck. Very unlikely but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects from Vioxx, stop taking Vioxx and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Vioxx, seek immediate medical attention. Vioxx symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects from Vioxx not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
VIOXX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to aspirin/other NSAIDs), liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers or bleeding, history of smoking, alcoholism, asthma, high blood pressure, growths in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps), serious infections, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia), poorly controlled diabetes, dehydration. Vioxx may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with Vioxx, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when Vioxx is used in the elderly, as this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. Vioxx should be used only when clearly needed during the first six months of pregnancy. Vioxx should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Vioxx with your doctor. It is not known whether Vioxx is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Vioxx is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding if planning to use Vioxx.
VIOXX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: high blood pressure drugs, (e.g., ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril), water pills (diuretics such as furosemide or thiazides), aspirin or other NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen), lithium, methotrexate, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are similar to Vioxx. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop Vioxx or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
VIOXX OVERDOSE:
If Vioxx overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Vioxx overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
VIOXX NOTES:
Do not share Vioxx with others. Laboratory or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED VIOXX DOSE:
If you miss a Vioxx dose, use Vioxx as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next Vioxx dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Vioxx dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the Vioxx dose to catch up.
VIOXX STORAGE:
Store Vioxx at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and place Vioxx away from light and moisture.
IMPORTANT VIOXX NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING 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 USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING VIOXX.
