Drug Uses

Vioxx is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

How Taken

Vioxx comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Vioxx exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Vioxx tablets may be taken with or without food.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Vioxx, tell your doctor if you smoke; drink alcohol; have ever had an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach; have liver disease; have kidney disease; have asthma; have congestive heart failure; have fluid retention; have heart disease; have high blood pressure; have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder or are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin). 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.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Vioxx are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach, dizziness, heartburn, vomiting, and constipation. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: bloody vomit, bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools swelling of the face, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, right upper abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms, skin rash, itching.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Vioxx overdose are not known

More Information

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.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. Yourfriendlypharmacy.com disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.