IMPORTANT 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 this drug.
ROFECOXIB - ORAL (row-feh-COX-ib)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vioxx
USES: This medication is
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves
pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis,
menstrual pain or other acute pain. This drug works by blocking
the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing
prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug
by mouth, generally once daily as directed. To decrease the
chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
therapy. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml)
of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking
this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset
or tiredness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly:
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, stop taking
this drug 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 this drug, seek immediate medical
attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily
use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine,
may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your
doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised
when this drug is used in the elderly, as this group may be
more sensitive to drug side effects. This medication should
be used only when clearly needed during the first six months
of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last three
months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into
breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
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 this drug. 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 any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of 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.
NOTES: Do not share this
medication with others. Laboratory or medical tests may be
performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
(77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
