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| Pronunciation |
|
 (val
de KOX
ib) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Bextra® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), COX-2 Selective |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to valdecoxib or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have any of the following conditions: Asthma or hives.
If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to relieve painful menstrual cycles.
This medicine is used to treat arthritis. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Valdecoxib blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain
and inflammation. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis for menstrual
pain. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by
healthcare provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent
monitoring.
If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
You will bleed easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush,
electric razor.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin,
aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic,
ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while
taking this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Belly pain.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.
Liver damage can rarely occur. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Watch for tarry black stools. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe belly pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
Not hungry.
Significant weight gain.
Unusual bruising or bleeding.
Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
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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, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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