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Bextra |
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What is Bextra and why is it prescribed? Bextra is a member of the relatively new class of painkillers called COX-2 inhibitors. It is prescribed for the relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation. COX-2 inhibitors are part of a larger group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All the drugs in this category relieve pain and inflammation by limiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Bextra and other COX-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs. Although the chances of stomach or intestinal bleeding are low, a slight danger remains. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had this type of problem, and be alert for signs of bleeding such as stomach discomfort or black, tarry stools. The problem becomes more likely the longer you take this medication, but can strike at any time without warning. How should you take Bextra? Follow your doctors directions for taking Bextra. Bextra can be taken with or without food, and can be taken along with antacids if necessary. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Bextra at room temperature. Are there any Bextra side effects? Bextra side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Bextra side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, swelling in the hands and feet, and upper respiratory infection. Less common and rare Bextra side effects may include abdominal fullness, abnormal or bloody stools, abnormal taste, acne, allergic reactions, anxiety, appendicitis, appetite changes, back pain, bad breath, bad dreams, belching, blood disorders, breast pain, brittle bones, burning or tingling sensation, cervical dysplasia, chest pain, chills, clotting problems, colitis, confusion, constipation, convulsions, coughing, cysts and tumors, dehydration, depression, digestive tract inflammation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, ear and vision problems, eye pain and problems, facial swelling, fatigue, fever, gallstones, general feeling of illness, generalized swelling, glandular problems, goiter, gout, hair loss, heart and circulation problems, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, hot flushes, incontinence, impotence, infections, inflamed tendons or bones, intestinal problems and bleeding, joint problems, kidney failure, loss of sensation, mania, menstrual problems, migraine, mouth inflammation, muscle pain, muscle tension, nerve pain and problems, nervousness, nosebleeds, pain, prostate problems, psychosis, rash and other skin problems, respiratory problems, runny nose, skin inflammation, sleep problems, sore throat, stiff neck, stroke, swallowing problems, sweating, swelling around the eyes, tarry stools, thirst, tooth disorders, tremors, tumors, twitching, ulcer, urinary problems, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and weight changes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Bextra? If Bextra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bextra with Aspirin, Blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors (including Capoten, Lotensin, and Vasotec), Cough medications containing dextromethorphan (such as Benylin and Robitussin Honey Cough), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Warfarin (Coumadin), or Water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL). Are there any special warnings about Bextra? Warning signs of a dangerous allergic reaction to Bextra include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat and difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms develop after a dose of Bextra. Bextra is more likely to cause serious stomach problems if you've had ulcers or bleeding in the past. Older adults and those in poor health are also more vulnerable, as are people being treated with steroids such as prednisone or blood thinners such as aspirin and Coumadin. Other factors that increase your risk include smoking, alcoholism, and long-term use of NSAIDs. If you meet any of these criteria, use Bextra with extreme caution. Bextra and other NSAIDs occasionally cause liver problems. Warning signs include nausea, fatigue, rash, itching, right upper stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking Bextra and call your doctor immediately. Long-term use of NSAIDs such as Bextra can injure the kidneys, especially in people with heart failure, poor kidney function, or liver problems. Also at higher risk of a problem are older adults, individuals suffering dehydration, and people taking water pills or ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure. If any of these factors apply to you, make sure the doctor is aware of it. If you have advanced kidney disease, Bextra is not recommended. Bextra sometimes causes fluid retention, which can aggravate swelling, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Caution is also warranted if you have asthma. Bextra could trigger a serious attack, especially if you are also sensitive to aspirin. If you've been taking a steroid medication for arthritis, do not discontinue it abruptly when you begin taking Bextra. Bextra is not a substitute for such drugs. Because Bextra relieves inflammation, fever, and pain, it may hide signs of an infection. Let any doctor you're seeing know that you're taking this drug. Bextra has not been tested for use in children under 18. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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