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| Pronunciation |
|
 (roe
fe COX
ib) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Vioxx® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), COX-2 Selective |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
- If you have an allergy to aspirin, aspirin-like products, another
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), rofecoxib, or any other part of the
medicine. A few examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac,
nabumetone, and ketoprofen.
- If you are more than 34 weeks pregnant or close to
delivery.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of signs and symptoms of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, pain, painful menstrual
cycles.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Rofecoxib reduces inflammation and pain. It blocks production and
release of chemicals that cause
pain/inflammation.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake liquid (suspension)
first.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can cause increases
in stomach irritation.
- If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have a weakened heart. May cause increased
shortness of breath or weight gain. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure may
increase. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you are on warfarin then INR should be monitored more frequently.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine,
especially sulfonamides. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected
you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath;
wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms
involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other
tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine
affects you.
- Belly pain, heartburn, cramps, diarrhea, gas.
- Stomach bleeding or ulceration. Watch stools for dark, tarry black
color.
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| What should I monitor? |
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|
- Relief of symptoms. Are they better, worse, or about the
same?
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up
blood.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
- Store liquid (suspension) at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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