Possible
uses of this medication
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.
How
to take this medication
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. STORE THIS MEDICINE
at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat, moisture, and light. 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.
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. 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.
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. If you have a question about whether you are allergic
to this medicine 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 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.
Drug
Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without
a prescription.
Missed
Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the amount used to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
PRODUCT out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
