Guest guest Report post Posted December 18, 2002 Dear Ruth, As time passes Vioxx is getting more bad press for it's side effects. I took it several years ago and my blood pressure went up and I retained fluid like mad. I have since developed kidney disease and I (my own opinion only) think that the Vioxx had something to do with it. The standard dose is 25 mg and 50 mg is a big dose and I certainly would not take more than that. If you are having so much pain you may want to get some pain meds. If you are only on the Vioxx for your arthritis you may want to consider a more effective med, any of the ones you mentioned. Neurontin is for a different kind of pain. Anne [ ] VIOXX Today the rheumy yelled at me for taking so much VIOXX. He wants me to take it only when the pain is really bad. I take 50 mgs a day. He is afraid that I will damage the liver or stomach. I get a blood test and it is fine. I figure if it takes away the pain, why not use it? I try to back off on the weekends but the pain/stiffness/ etc. comes right back. He wants 25 one day 50 the next. Does anyone else take 50 mgs daily or do you just take it occasionally? I am also on Neurotin and will be up to the full dose this week. Perhaps that will work better than the VIOXX. The doc said it is like taking 16 Ibuprofen tablets a day and my daughter who was with me, freaked out and said how can you take that much medicine and not listen to the doctor? Think of all the damage you are doing? I didn't have the heart to tell her that on some real bad days I have taken 100 mgs. How much more damage can I do? At any rate, I didn't think that VIOXX is as potent as the alternatives MTX, enbril, and probably the Neurotin? relizabethb@... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted December 19, 2002 I have been on 50 mg Vioxx for almost a year. My GP had a fit and said no one should be at that dose for more that a few days. I asked my rheumy, who said he has had patients on it for years at that dose. I do have to take Protonix for stomach. I'm sure that is related. Ks Di [ ] VIOXX > Today the rheumy yelled at me for taking so much VIOXX. He wants me to take it only when the pain is really bad. I take 50 mgs a day. He is afraid that I will damage the liver or stomach. I get a blood test and it is fine. I figure if it takes away the pain, why not use it? I try to back off on the weekends but the pain/stiffness/ etc. comes right back. He wants 25 one day 50 the next. Does anyone else take 50 mgs daily or do you just take it occasionally? I am also on Neurotin and will be up to the full dose this week. Perhaps that will work better than the VIOXX. The doc said it is like taking 16 Ibuprofen tablets a day and my daughter who was with me, freaked out and said how can you take that much medicine and not listen to the doctor? Think of all the damage you are doing? I didn't have the heart to tell her that on some real bad days I have taken 100 mgs. How much more damage can I do? At any rate, I didn't think that VIOXX is as potent as the alternatives MTX, enbril, and probably the Neurotin? > relizabethb@... > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted December 19, 2002 Ruth, I don't know enough about meds to give any kind of opinion but if my doctor yelled at me I'd find another doctor real fast. Good Luck! Cheri [ ] VIOXX Today the rheumy yelled at me for taking so much VIOXX. He wants me to take it only when the pain is really bad. ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted December 19, 2002 Hello I have been taking 50mg of vioxx for about 1 and a 1/2 years. Everything is fine. I had blood tests twice and they came back excellent. My rhuemy said 50mg is the max but is ok to take daily. Shane Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 4, 2003 I have used all of the OTC anti-inflamatories. Although I don't think Vioxx is more effective in reducing my symptoms, which include stiffness and an occassional inflamed knuckle. I am using 25 mg of Vioxx a day because it has less effect on my digestive system. I have asked my doctor about going to a higher dose of vioxx and he said that the company that produces Vioxx is or has done studies using higher doses. He couldn't tell me the results of these studies, but he suspects that there are reasons that higher doses are not recommended because Merck (or whoever) would like to sell as much of this product as possible, and would if the results of the studies were good. Have you heard of any studies using higher doses? > Today the rheumy yelled at me for taking so much VIOXX. He wants me to take it only when the pain is really bad. I take 50 mgs a day. He is afraid that I will damage the liver or stomach. I get a blood test and it is fine. I figure if it takes away the pain, why not use it? I try to back off on the weekends but the pain/stiffness/ etc. comes right back. He wants 25 one day 50 the next. Does anyone else take 50 mgs daily or do you just take it occasionally? I am also on Neurotin and will be up to the full dose this week. Perhaps that will work better than the VIOXX. The doc said it is like taking 16 Ibuprofen tablets a day and my daughter who was with me, freaked out and said how can you take that much medicine and not listen to the doctor? Think of all the damage you are doing? I didn't have the heart to tell her that on some real bad days I have taken 100 mgs. How much more damage can I do? At any rate, I didn't think that VIOXX is as potent as the alternatives MTX, enbril, and probably the Neurotin? > relizabethb@e... > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 5, 2003 That frightens me as I use 50mg of vioxx a day, and my doc never mentioned any of this, other than to go any higher than 50 mg would do serious digestive damage..let me know what you find out =) [ ] Re: VIOXX I have used all of the OTC anti-inflamatories. Although I don't think Vioxx is more effective in reducing my symptoms, which include stiffness and an occassional inflamed knuckle. I am using 25 mg of Vioxx a day because it has less effect on my digestive system. I have asked my doctor about going to a higher dose of vioxx and he said that the company that produces Vioxx is or has done studies using higher doses. He couldn't tell me the results of these studies, but he suspects that there are reasons that higher doses are not recommended because Merck (or whoever) would like to sell as much of this product as possible, and would if the results of the studies were good. Have you heard of any studies using higher doses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 5, 2003 No studies. I have been on 50 mg for over a year. My doctor says he has had people on this dosage for years with good results. I do have to take stomach medicine. Ks Di [ ] Re: VIOXX > I have used all of the OTC anti-inflamatories. Although I don't think > Vioxx is more effective in reducing my symptoms, which include > stiffness and an occassional inflamed knuckle. I am using 25 mg of > Vioxx a day because it has less effect on my digestive system. I have > asked my doctor about going to a higher dose of vioxx and he said > that the company that produces Vioxx is or has done studies using > higher doses. He couldn't tell me the results of these studies, but > he suspects that there are reasons that higher doses are not > recommended because Merck (or whoever) would like to sell as much of > this product as possible, and would if the results of the studies > were good. Have you heard of any studies using higher doses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 5, 2003 I was wondering if there'd be a point where stomach meds would come to play.... I've only been on 50 mg for a few months... so we'll see [ ] Re: VIOXX > I have used all of the OTC anti-inflamatories. Although I don't think > Vioxx is more effective in reducing my symptoms, which include > stiffness and an occassional inflamed knuckle. I am using 25 mg of > Vioxx a day because it has less effect on my digestive system. I have > asked my doctor about going to a higher dose of vioxx and he said > that the company that produces Vioxx is or has done studies using > higher doses. He couldn't tell me the results of these studies, but > he suspects that there are reasons that higher doses are not > recommended because Merck (or whoever) would like to sell as much of > this product as possible, and would if the results of the studies > were good. Have you heard of any studies using higher doses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 6, 2003 I had reflux before Vioxx, so I am probably not a good example. The Vioxx did make me leave OTC behind and stay on prescription for the stomach. Ks Di [ ] Re: VIOXX > > I have used all of the OTC anti-inflamatories. Although I don't think > > Vioxx is more effective in reducing my symptoms, which include > > stiffness and an occassional inflamed knuckle. I am using 25 mg of > > Vioxx a day because it has less effect on my digestive system. I have > > asked my doctor about going to a higher dose of vioxx and he said > > that the company that produces Vioxx is or has done studies using > > higher doses. He couldn't tell me the results of these studies, but > > he suspects that there are reasons that higher doses are not > > recommended because Merck (or whoever) would like to sell as much of > > this product as possible, and would if the results of the studies > > were good. Have you heard of any studies using higher doses? > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 6, 2003 Well I've had previous tummy issues too.... colitis, and ulcers... but it's been a really long time.. I had reflux really bad during pregnancy, but havnn't had a real issue after birth. Re: [ ] Re: VIOXX I had reflux before Vioxx, so I am probably not a good example. The Vioxx did make me leave OTC behind and stay on prescription for the stomach. Ks Di Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2003 It has worked for me for a couple of years and I've had no bad side effects....but now 25mg is not always enough and I'm moving on to MTX. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2003 I have been on 50mg of Vioxx for about a year. It is really good. It is hard on the stomach. I have to take protonix daily to tolerate the medication. Ks Di [ ] Vioxx > Hi all, > Has anyone had any experience with Vioxx for PA? Right now I'm on > Arava with no relief. I keep seeing ads for Vioxx and was wondering > if it is even helpful to PA > Thanks, > > > [Ed. Note: Yes , I would say that most of us probably have experience with Vioxx. Why don't you search the archives for past messages about Vioxx? Just go to / and put Vioxx into the " Search Archive " box. Ron] > > > Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at: > http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member aka(raharris@...). > > In August 2001 list member Jack aka(Cornishpro@...) began to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the Psoriatic Arthritic Research Newsletter monthly in our emails and digest format. Many thanks to Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage. > > Also remember that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of information (Over two years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse them at your convenience. > > Let's hear from some of you lurkers out there! If you have a comment or question chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can help you out with an educated guess for an answer. If not we can at least steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to for the answers. > > Blessings and Peace, > > Atwood-Stack, Founder > Alan , Web & List Editor > Jack , Newsletter Editor > Pat Bias, List Editor > Ron Dotson, List Editor > and many others who help moderate (thank you!) > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2003 , I'm on Bextra, which is in the same family but is easier on the stomach and is a sulfa based drug so is less likely to be harmful over the long term unless you are allergic to sulfa drugs. Keeps the swelling down and some of the pain in check. I have chosen to not do Enbrel or Metho or any of the other drugs, so when the Bextra isn't enough for the pain, I use paraffin wax on my hands and feet (insurance paid for a commercial paraffin unit) and I spend a lot of time in the pool, which helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 22, 2003 , How long have you been diagnosed? Bextra did nothing for me, but Celebrex does... same kind of med. I have been trying to stay off of things too, but I do have Enbrel waiting in my fridge whenever I get the nerve up to start the injections. I am just SO nervous about going on more severe meds. Will you tell me what problems your arthritis has caused you? Do you have any joints starting to deform? I have a finger with a small hump on it, and my left ankle is getting a little whaky. I am trying to be smart about taking meds, but I always have said that when I start to see/feel joint changes I would do something. Well, I am there now... and I still can't bring myself to take anything more severe! So, there is my delimma. Since we see this drug issue the same way I am asking you what you would do if you started to see joint changes? I have had this disease for over 6 years now, but I was diagnosed in 1999. Thanks for any advice. In a message dated 1/22/03 7:44:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, rachelviognier@... writes: > , I'm on Bextra, which is in the same family but is easier on the > stomach and is a sulfa based drug so is less likely to be harmful over the > long term unless you are allergic to sulfa drugs. Keeps the swelling down > and some of the pain in check. I have chosen to not do Enbrel or Metho or > any of the other drugs, so when the Bextra isn't enough for the pain, I use > > paraffin wax on my hands and feet (insurance paid for a commercial paraffin > > unit) and I spend a lot of time in the pool, which helps. > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 23, 2003 , I so applaud you courage to do this drug free. I only wish that was an option to me. You sound to be a very active and full of life. You see to always be up beat and the words you use to encourage others is eloquent. I do hope, for you sake that you can maintain your PA at this point with the way you choose to manage your meds. The patient leaflets they give with prescriptions are terrifying, but remember to look further...in FACTS, in the PDR and look to your doctor for percentages that the side effects occur. Because if some terrible side effect occurs in one-tenth of one percent of patients they have to publish that information and many times what the consumer gets is just the type of side effect that occurred and not how often it was seen in patients. Keep up the smiles that you pass on to us here in the group. I hope some of this information is useful to you! PS - Hope you are staying warm today! We got 10 inches (maybe 12) of that cold white stuff and it is hanging around 10 degrees outside right now! " ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 23, 2003 Hi , We have 8 inches here, and it is COLD! I had to close my office today because of the snow. Yes, I do always read up on percentages, and I guess I just let fear get the best of me when it comes to stronger meds... which is really funny, since I am normally not a paranoid kind of person. I am sure many here can relate when I say I never thought at 23 I would get PA, so now I think hey if the odds went that way, whose to say I want be one of the small percent that has bad side effects. I just try to base my decisions on how I feel, what I can take, and are my joints being damaged. The damage is starting to happen... which is why I do have Enbrel sitting in my fridge, waiting for me to get some courage. Have fun in the snow, and thanks for the great comments you made. P.S. You won't believe how many Rheums have told me that MTX has no side effects in the amount I would be taking it in. That's how I gage if I am going to stick with a Dr. or not.... when someone tells me that, I know they are just trying to get rid of me so they can get to their next patient. In a message dated 1/23/03 2:13:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, CND110370@... writes: > , > > I so applaud you courage to do this drug free. I only wish that was an > option to me. You sound to be a very active and full of life. You see to > always be up beat and the words you use to encourage others is eloquent. I > > do hope, for you sake that you can maintain your PA at this point with the > way you choose to manage your meds. The patient leaflets they give with > prescriptions are terrifying, but remember to look further...in FACTS, in > the > PDR and look to your doctor for percentages that the side effects occur. > Because if some terrible side effect occurs in one-tenth of one percent of > patients they have to publish that information and many times what the > consumer gets is just the type of side effect that occurred and not how > often > it was seen in patients. Keep up the smiles that you pass on to us here in > > the group. I hope some of this information is useful to you! > > > > PS - Hope you are staying warm today! We got 10 inches (maybe 12) of that > cold white stuff and it is hanging around 10 degrees outside right now! " ) > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 23, 2003 Viox seems to work for me only if I take 50mg. The recommendation is 50mg for only several days and then a daily dose of 25mg. Unfortunately that was not strong enough. I am now taking Lodine and this helps somewhat. Does anyone have experience with this drug? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 23, 2003 where did you get the paraffin unit from. do you know a website that I can check? Janet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 23, 2003 My GP has doubled Zocor to try to get my cholesterol down. My blood pressure is up. It runs in my family, but I wonder if Vioxx has anything to do with it. It seems I have heard other members blame Vioxx for HP. Ks Di Re: [ ] Vioxx > , > > How long have you been diagnosed? Bextra did nothing for me, but Celebrex > does... same kind of med. I have been trying to stay off of things too, but I > do have Enbrel waiting in my fridge whenever I get the nerve up to start the > injections. I am just SO nervous about going on more severe meds. Will you > tell me what problems your arthritis has caused you? Do you have any joints > starting to deform? I have a finger with a small hump on it, and my left > ankle is getting a little whaky. I am trying to be smart about taking meds, > but I always have said that when I start to see/feel joint changes I would do > something. Well, I am there now... and I still can't bring myself to take > anything more severe! So, there is my delimma. Since we see this drug issue > the same way I am asking you what you would do if you started to see joint > changes? I have had this disease for over 6 years now, but I was diagnosed in > 1999. Thanks for any advice. > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 24, 2003 I have also seen the paraffin units at some major department stores, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linen & Things. Homedics is a brand that makes them. Hope this helps you in the quest of finding a unit! " ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 24, 2003 Wal mart or those type stores have them, don't know what type you're looking for tho Re: [ ] Vioxx > where did you get the paraffin unit from. do you know a website that I can > check? > Janet > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 24, 2003 In <187.14ef835d.2b61c5bf@...>, on 01/23/03 at 05:25 PM, fam24@... said: >where did you get the paraffin unit from. I bought mine at Mervyn's. >do you know a website that I can >check? The manufacturer's page on the unit is at http://www.homedics.com/spa/detail.cfm?subcat=116 & product=308 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 24, 2003 Homedics has one that is not expensive. It about $30. I got it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I have also seen them at WalMart. It is such a comfort. I don't think it probably has any long-term benefit--but great for quick pain relief. I do it before I go to bed. Ks Di Re: [ ] Vioxx > where did you get the paraffin unit from. do you know a website that I can > check? > Janet > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 24, 2003 I got my paraffin unit from Isometrics online. Its a Parabath brand, cost $150, and my rheum wrote " medical necessity " on the script. Even if insurance hadn't paid, I'd tell you its worth every penny. I keep it on all the time so the wax is always hot, whenever I need it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 28, 2003 I love Vioxx, but it destroyed my stomach. I now take protonix daily with the Vioxx. I had GERD before I started taking Vioxx--so if you have a good stomach--you might not have so much trouble. I was on 50 mg Vioxx at the time. I am now down to 25. Ks Di - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
