Vioxx

Generic Name: Vioxx (oral) (row feh COCK sib)
Brand Names: Vioxx

What is the most important information I should know about Vioxx?

• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; blood in your vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of your skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

What is Vioxx?

• Vioxx is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Vioxx works by reducing substances that cause inflammation, pain, and fever in the body.

• Vioxx is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and certain forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; to manage acute pain in adults; to treat migraines; and to treat menstrual pain.

• Vioxx may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vioxx?

• Do not take Vioxx without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), celecoxib (Celebrex), valdecoxib (Bextra), or meloxicam (Mobic). You may experience a similar reaction to Vioxx.

• You may not be able to take Vioxx, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or are taking any of the medicines, listed above.

• Vioxx is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Vioxx should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because it may affect the formation of the baby's heart. Do not take Vioxx without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

• It is not known whether Vioxx passes into breast milk. Do not take Vioxx without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

• If you are over the age of 65 years, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Vioxx. You may require a lower dosage or special monitoring during treatment.

How should I take Vioxx?

• Take Vioxx exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

• Shake the Vioxx suspension well before measuring a dose. Use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon, to measure the liquid form of Vioxx to ensure that you measure the correct amount of medicine. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

• Vioxx can be taken with or without food or milk.

• Store Vioxx at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose/overdose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of a Vioxx overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Vioxx?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Vioxx, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Vioxx?

• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; blood in your vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of your skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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