Arthritis affects over 37 million Americans,
or approximately one in seven people. Interestingly,
greater than 50 percent of these individuals are
under the age of 65.
Finally there is relief for arthritic pain without
all of the side effects.
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Vioxx®
(ROFECOXIB)
Uses
Vioxx 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.
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
ace inhibitor, anticoagulant, furosemide, lithium, methotrexate,
rifampin, thiazide diuretics, or warfarin. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including aspirin-sensitive
asthma, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
or concerns about Vioxx.
Directions
The usual dose of Vioxx for acute pain syndromes and
menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea) is 50 mg once
daily for no longer than 5 days. The usual dose of Vioxx
for treatment of osteoarthritis is 12.5 mg daily although
some patients may benefit from 25 mg daily. The maximum
daily dose should not exceed 25 mg. This medicine may
be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
Storage
STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 70 to 77
degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light.
Miss a dose
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.
Precautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had 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. If you have a question about whether you
are allergic to Vioxx 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 a new medicine
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 ibuprofen,
naproxen, or ketoprofen.
For women
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with
your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is
excreted in breast milk. DO NOT breast feed while
taking this medicine.
Side effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine
include weakness or nausea. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor.
Call your doctor
Check in with your doctor immediately 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.
Contact your doctor
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.
Notes
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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