Vioxx: What
To Know
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 notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Vioxx: What
Is It
Vioxx (Rofecoxib)
is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor
used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and to treat pain and menstrual
discomfort.
Vioxx: Before
Using
Some medicines
or medical conditions may interact with Vioxx (Rofecoxib). 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.
Vioxx: How
To Use
The usual dose
of Vioxx (Rofecoxib) for treatment of osteoarthritis is 12.5 mg daily although
some patients may benefit from 25 mg daily. The maximum daily Vioxx (Rofecoxib)
dose should not exceed 25 mg.
Vioxx: Storage
Store Vioxx
(Rofecoxib) at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Vioxx: Missed
Dose
If you miss
a dose of Vioxx (Rofecoxib) and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed
dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed Vioxx (Rofecoxib) dose
if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 Vioxx (Rofecoxib)
doses at once.
Vioxx: Side
Effects
Side effects
that may occur while taking Vioxx (Rofecoxib) include weakness or nausea.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with
your doctor as soon as possible 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.
Vioxx: Precautions
Do not take
Vioxx (Rofecoxib) 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.
Vioxx: Notes
Do not share
Vioxx (Rofecoxib) with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use
Vioxx (Rofecoxib) for other health conditions. Keep Vioxx (Rofecoxib) out
of the reach of children. if using Vioxx (Rofecoxib) for an extended period
of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. |