Vioxx/Rofecoxib

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Vioxx/Rofecoxib

http://arthritis.about.com/health/arthritis/library/blvioxx.htm

Brand Name: Vioxx

Generic: Rofecoxib

Strength(s): 12.5mg & 25mg tablets or 12.5mg/5ml & 25mg/5ml suspension

Dosage Form(s): Tablets and oral suspension

Approved: May 21, 1999

Class: NSAID (COX-2 Inhibitors)

Manufactured by: Merck & Co., Inc.

Availability: Prescription only

Vioxx is used to relieve:

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis

Acute pain in adults

Painful menstrual cycles.

Who should not take Vioxx?

You should not take Vioxx if you have experienced asthma, hives, or

allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A few examples of other NSAIDs are

ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, nabumetone, and ketoprofen.

Special Warnings with Vioxx:

Serious problems from stomach ulcers, such as bleeding, are well-known

complications in people treated with NSAIDs. Similar problems have

occurred in people treated with Vioxx, although very rarely. The

likelihood of stomach problems increases the longer you take drugs like

Vioxx. However, even short-term treatment is not without risk. These

problems can happen without any warning, but in some people may cause

symptoms such as gnawing or burning stomach pain, black or tarry stools,

or vomiting. If this happens, stop taking Vioxx and call your health

care provider right away.

Check with your health care provider. Vioxx may not be right for you, if

you:

have had ulcers or stomach bleeding

have had asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin

or other NSAIDs

have severe kidney problems

have severe liver problems

are pregnant

General Precautions with Vioxx:

Do not stop taking any medications that you have been prescribed without

first talking to your doctor.

Serious problems such as liver damage have occurred in people treated

with NSAIDs. Some of the warning signs of liver damage can be nausea,

vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellow coloring of skin or

eyes, " flu-like " symptoms and dark urine. If you experience any of these

symptoms, call your health care provider right away.

Vioxx can cause your body to retain fluid and swell. Your health care

provider will decide if Vioxx is right for you, if you:

retain fluids

have high blood pressure

have heart failure

If you have asthma, you may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. If an

aspirin-sensitive asthmatic takes aspirin it can cause severe narrowing

of the airway (bronchospasm), and even death. Since this type of

reaction to aspirin and other NSAIDs have occurred in aspirin-sensitive

patients, Vioxx should not be given to aspirin-sensitive patients.

The safety and effectiveness of Vioxx in patients below the age of 18

years has not been determined.

How should I take Vioxx?

Read the patient information that comes with Vioxx before you start

taking it and every time you renew your prescription in case the

information has been updated.

You can take Vioxx with or without food. Your doctor will determine the

dose you should take, depending on your condition and medical history.

Avoid taking Vioxx with antacids that contain calcium carbonate and

magnesium/aluminum combination products, because they may reduce the

amount of Vioxx your body absorbs.

Shake the liquid form of Vioxx before using.

What should I avoid while taking Vioxx?

Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are

already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Because certain other medications can interact with Vioxx, review all

medications that you are taking with your health care provider,

including those that you take without a prescription.

Your health care provider may have to adjust your dose or monitor you

more closely if you take:

certain blood pressure medications called ACE-inhibitors

furosemide

lithium

methotrexate

rifampin

warfarin

aspirin

What are some possible side effects of Vioxx? (This is NOT a complete

list of side effects reported with Vioxx. Your health care provider can

discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Side effects can include:

Upper respiratory tract infection

Diarrhea

Nausea

Heartburn

Swelling of the lower legs or feet

High blood pressure

Rarely, serious ulcers have occurred in patients taking Vioxx.

SOURCE: US Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Drug Information