Most
Common Medical Uses
This
medicine 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.
How to
Take This Medication
Some medicines or medical conditions
may interact with Vioxx. 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, an anticoagulant,
furosemide, lithium, methotrexate,
rifampin, thiazide diuretics, or
warfarin.
Possible
Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while
taking Vioxx include weakness or
nausea. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE 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.
Precautions
DO NOT TAKE VIOXX IF
YOU HAVE HAD A 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.
Drug Interactions
Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist
before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products.
Missed
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 a double dose
of this medication unless instructed
by your doctor.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature
- 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in
a tightly-closed container, away
from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep this and all medications out
of the reach of children.
Notes
Do not share Vioxx with others for
whom it was not prescribed, since
they may have a problem that is not
effectively treated by this drug.
