 |
Vioxx
® (Rofecoxib)
|
 |
Vioxx
pricing |
| Brand
Vioxx manufactured by: MERCK |
| Chemical
name: Rofecoxib (Generic not available) |
Anti-inflammatory--Analgesic Agent
Vioxx
Information | How
to take Vioxx | Vioxx
Side Effects
Vioxx
Common Use: Vioxx reduces the joint swelling, redness
and pain of arthritis.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is
intended to heighten awareness of health information
and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information
is not a substitute for individual medical attention
and should not be construed to indicate that use of
the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
See your health care professional for medical advice
and treatment.
What
is Vioxx? Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID) which reduces the joint swelling, redness
and pain of arthritis. Your body produces chemicals
called prostaglandins. Some of these prostaglandins
help line the stomach with a protective layer. In arthritis,
other prostaglandins cause pain and swelling. Vioxx
reduces the type that causes pain and swelling. At prescribed
doses, Vioxx does not affect the type that maintains
the protective layer of the stomach, and reduces the
chances of bleeding.
This medicine does not cure arthritis, but promotes
suppression of the inflammation and tissue damaging
effects resulting from this inflammation. Vioxx will
help you only as long as you continue to take it.
Vioxx is available as a tablet or an oral liquid.
Why has my doctor prescribed
Vioxx? Your doctor has prescribed Vioxx for:
- treatment of osteoarthritis
- relief of pain
- treatment of menstrual pain
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease. It results from the
gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the
ends of bones, resulting in pain, inflammation, tenderness,
stiffness, and physical disability.
What else can I do to help manage my osteoarthritic
pain? Talk to your doctor about:
- Exercise
- Controlling your weight
- Hot and cold treatments
- Using support devices
Before Taking This Medication
Tell Your Doctor and Pharmacist if You:
- or a family member are allergic to or have had a
reaction to the active or inactive ingredients contained
in Vioxx, or to other anti-inflammatory drugs (such
as acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], diclofenac, diflunisal,
fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, sulindac,
tiaprofenic acid, tolmetin, nabumetone or tenoxicam)
manifesting itself by increased sinusitis, hives,
the initiating or worsening of asthma or anaphylaxis
(sudden collapse);
- or a family member have had asthma, nasal polyps,
chronic sinusitis or chronic urticaria (hives);
- have a history of stomach upset, ulcers, liver
or kidney diseases;
- have blood or urine abnormalities;
- have a history of angina, heart attack or a blocked
artery in your heart;
- have high blood pressure or heart failure;
- have fluid retention like swelling of the legs;
- have diabetes;
- are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or
low-sugar diet;
- are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while
taking this medication;
- are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed while
taking this medication;
- are taking any other medication (either prescription
or nonprescription) such as NSAIDs, theophylline (a
medicine used to treat asthma), warfarin (a blood
thinner), rifampin (an antibiotic), angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (medicines used for high blood
pressure and heart failure), or lithium (a medicine
used to treat a certain type of depression).
While Taking This Medication:
- tell any other doctor, dentist or pharmacist that
you consult or see, that you are taking this medication;
- some NSAIDs may cause drowsiness or fatigue in
some people taking them. Do not drive or participate
in activities that require alertness if you are drowsy,
dizzy or lightheaded after taking this medication;
- check with your doctor if you are not getting any
relief of your arthritis or if any problems develop;
- report any untoward reactions to your doctor. This
is very important as it will aid in the early detection
and prevention of potential complications;
- stomach problems may be more likely to occur if
you drink alcoholic beverages. Therefore, do not drink
alcoholic beverages while taking this medication;
- check with your doctor immediately if you experience
unexpected weakness while taking this medication,
or if you vomit any blood or have dark or bloody stools;
- some people may become more sensitive to sunlight
than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight or sunlamps,
even for brief periods of time, may cause sunburn,
blisters on the skin, skin rash, redness, itching
or discoloration, or vision changes. If you have a
reaction from the sun, check with your doctor;
- check with your doctor immediately if chills, fever,
muscle aches or pains, or other flu-like symptoms
occur, especially if they occur shortly before or
together with a skin rash. Very rarely, these effects
may be the first signs of a serious reaction to this
medication;
- your regular medical checkups are essential.
Side
Effects of This Medication: Along with its
beneficial effects, Vioxx may occasionally cause some
undesirable reactions, especially when used for a long
time or in large doses.
Elderly, frail or debilitated patients often seem to
experience more frequent or more severe side effects.
Although these side effects are not common, when they
do occur they may require medical attention.
Check With Your Doctor Immediately
if Any of the Following Are Noted:
- serious stomach problems such as ulcer or bleeding
symptoms (for instance, stomach burning or black tarry
stools, which are signs of possible stomach bleeding);
- shortness of breath, wheezing, any trouble in breathing
or tightness in the chest;
- chest pain;
- allergic reactions including swelling of the face,
lips, tongue, and/or throat which may cause difficulty
in breathing or swallowing; hives, rash, and itching;
- vomiting or persistent indigestion, nausea, stomach
pain or diarrhea;
- yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes;
- any change in the amount of or colour of your urine
(dark red or brown);
- any pain or difficulty experienced while urinating;
- swelling of the feet or lower legs;
- unexplained weight gain;
- malaise, fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite;
- blurred vision or any visual disturbance;
- anxiety, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating,
depression, dizziness, lightheadedness, hallucinations,
tingling sensation, headache, vertigo (false sensation
of movement or spinning);
- unusual headache with stiff neck (aseptic meningitis);
- hearing problems;
- hair loss, severe skin reaction.
Heart attacks and similar serious events have been
reported in patients taking Vioxx.
Additionally, the following have been reported: heart
failure; serious kidney problems, increased levels of
potassium in the blood, decreased levels of sodium in
the blood, fluid in the lungs, low blood cell counts,
palpitations, pancreatitis, serious liver problems.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur
in some patients. If you notice any other effects that
you may consider important, check with your doctor or
pharmacist without delay.
How
should I take Vioxx? Vioxx should be taken
once a day.
Your doctor will decide what dose of Vioxx you should
take and how long you should take it.
For treatment of osteoarthritis:
- The recommended starting dose is 12.5 mg once a
day.
- Your doctor may increase the dose to 25 mg once
a day.
- The maximum recommended dose is 25 mg once a day.
For the relief of acute pain and the treatment of menstrual
pain:
- On the first day, the recommended initial dose is
50 mg once a day.
- On the second day and after that, the dose should
be 25 or 50 mg once a day as prescribed by your doctor.
- The maximum recommended dose is 50 mg once a day.
- Vioxx was studied in the management of acute pain
for up to 5 days.
Vioxx can be taken with low-dose ASA (less than or
equal to 325 mg daily) when indicated by a doctor. If
you are currently taking low-dose ASA for prevention
of heart attack or stroke, you should not discontinue
without consulting your doctor because Vioxx is not
a substitute for ASA for prevention of heart attack
or stroke.
You may take Vioxx with or without food.
What should I do if I miss
a dose? Try to take Vioxx as prescribed.
However, if you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose.
Just resume your usual schedule the following day.
What should I do in case of
an overdose? If you take more than the prescribed
dosage, contact your doctor immediately.
How should I store Vioxx tablets?
Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C).
Oral Suspension:
Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C). Protect
from freezing. Shake well before using.
Vioxx is not recommended for patients under 18 years
of age since safety and effectiveness have not been
established.
Do not take Vioxx during pregnancy unless specifically
prescribed by a doctor.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer
needed.
Keep out of the reach of children.
This medicine has been prescribed for your medical
problem. Do not give it to anyone else.
Vioxx tablets contain the
following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose
sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate,
microcrystalline cellulose and yellow ferric oxide.
Vioxx oral suspension contains
the following inactive ingredients: citric
acid (monohydrate), purified water, sodium citrate (dihydrate),
sorbitol solution, strawberry flavor, and xanthan gum.
Added as preservatives are sodium methylparaben 0.13%
and sodium propylparaben 0.02%.
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