Bextra is a powerful medication that targets
an important source of arthritis pain. It's tough
on pain and inflammation. And there's one convenient
dose that's powerful enough to tackle both the
pain of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis.
BEXTRA also delivers relief to the pain associated
with moderate to severe menstrual pain (primary
dysmenorrhea).
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BextraŽ (valdecoxib tablets)
(Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug - NSAID)
Common uses
This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the
symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid),
and menstrual discomfort. This drug works by blocking
the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing
prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. 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 azole antifungals
(e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), blood
thinners (e.g., warfarin), ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril,
lisinopril), water pills (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide),
dextromethorphan, or lithium. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS
NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of kidney disease,
or severe liver disease. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including asthma, nasal polyps, stomach
problems (e.g., bleeding, ulcers), liver problems, blood
disorders (e.g., anemia), heart disease, high blood
pressure, tobacco or alcohol use, swelling problems
(fluid retention), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes,
any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g.,
ibuprofen, celecoxib), or sulfa allergy, pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty
stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in
a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture,
and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you
are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you
remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do
not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses
at once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE 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), or sulfa medicines
(e.g., sulfonamide antibiotics). A severe reaction includes
a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.
If you have a question about whether you are allergic
to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of
chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you
develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately.
Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your
doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED
DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed
without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine.
ALCOHOL WARNING: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic
drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should
take this medicine or other pain relievers/fever reducers.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
This includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed by your
doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention
(i.e., non-arthritis doses) should be continued. FOR
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with
your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED during
the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE
IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while
taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine
include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or headache.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if
you experience swelling, unusual tiredness and weakness,
or weight gain. 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; dark urine or pale stools; or unusual fatigue,
change in amount of urine, dizziness, or blurred vision.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND STOP TAKING THIS
MEDICINE if you notice any of the following unlikely
but very serious side effects: black stools, persistent
stomach/abdominal pain, or vomit that looks like coffee
grounds. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects
or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact
with each other. Check drug interactions
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include drowsiness, vomiting, or stomach
pain.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was
not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the reach of children.
IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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