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.