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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. |
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Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. 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. Inform
your doctor of any other medical conditions including aspirin-sensitive
asthma, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about
taking Vioxx. |
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Follow the directions for using Vioxx provided by your
doctor. Vioxx comes with a patient information leaflet.
Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any
questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine
may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store Vioxx
at room temperature below 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. |
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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 Vioxx
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 Vioxx unless your doctor
tells you to do so. Do not exceed the recommended dose or
take Vioxx 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 Vioxx 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 aspirin,
ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed
by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke
prevention (i.e., non-arthritis doses) should be continued.
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.
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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.
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Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent
Vioxx from doing its job. |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
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