Rofecoxib



Vioxx®[DSC]







Rofecoxib

(roe fe COX ib)

U.S. Brand Names
Vioxx®[DSC]
Pharmacologic Category
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), COX-2 Selective
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Rofecoxib was removed from the market in 2004.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to rofecoxib or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain.
  • This medicine is used to relieve painful menstrual cycles.
  • This medicine is used to treat arthritis.
  • This medicine is used to treat migraine headaches.
How does it work?
  • Rofecoxib blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • You will bleed easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Belly pain or heartburn.
  • Diarrhea.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Watch for tarry black stools.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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