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Vioxx |
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What is Vioxx and why is it prescribed? Vioxx is a painkiller used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, painful menstruation, and other types of acute pain. It is a member of the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called "COX-2 inhibitors." Vioxx is believed to fight pain and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Vioxx does not interfere with a similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective effect on the lining of the stomach. Vioxx is less likely to cause the bleeding and ulcers that sometimes accompany sustained use of the older NSAIDs. Although COX-2 inhibitors offer many of the same benefits as aspirin, they do not share its blood-thinning effects. If you're taking low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of a heart attack, you'll need to continue taking it in addition to Vioxx. Although Vioxx is unlikely to cause stomach and intestinal bleeding, a slight danger remains. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had this problem, and be on the alert for tip-offs such as stomach discomfort or black, tarry stools. These symptoms can strike without warning. How should you take Vioxx? Follow your doctors directions for taking Vioxx. Vioxx may be taken with or without food. If it has been prescribed for arthritis, be sure to take it faithfully once every day. Vioxx suspension should be thoroughly shaken before each use. 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. Do not take two doses at the same time. Both the tablets and the suspension may be stored at room temperature. Are there any Vioxx side effects? Vioxx side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Vioxx side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, indigestion, nausea, respiratory tract infections, stomach discomfort, and swelling of the legs and ankles. Less common Vioxx side effects may include back pain, bronchitis, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, sinus inflammation, urinary tract infections, and weakness. Rare Vioxx side effects may include abdominal bloating or tenderness, allergies, anxiety, appetite change, arm pain, asthma, back strain, baldness, black-tarry stool, blisters, bloody nose, blurred vision, boils, bursitis, cartilage problems, cavities, chest congestion, chest pain, chills, confusion, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, cysts, decreased levels of sodium in the blood, decreased mental alertness, dental pain, depression, dermatitis, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry throat, ear infection, ear pain, ear ringing, ear wax, fainting, fever, fluid in the lungs, flushing, fungal infection, gas, gastrointestinal infection, gastrointestinal inflammation, hallucinations, heartbeat irregularities, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, hernia of the diaphragm, herpes infection, hives, impaired sensitivity to touch, inability to urinate, increased nighttime urination, increased potassium in the blood, infection, insect bite reaction, insomnia, itching, joint pain and swelling, kidney failure, laryngitis, liver failure, low blood cell counts, menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorder, migraine headache, mouth infection, mouth and throat sores, muscle aches and pains, muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, nail problems, nasal congestion, numbness, pain, painful urination, pelvic pain, pneumonia, rapid or slow heartbeat, rash, runny nose, sciatic pain, severe increase in blood pressure, severe skin peeling, skin dryness, skin inflammation, skin tingling or burning, sore throat, sweating, swelling, taste disturbances, tendon inflammation, tingling sensation, tonsillitis, vaginal inflammation, vein problems, vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, and yellow skin and eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Vioxx? If Vioxx 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 Vioxx with Aluminum and magnesium antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta), Amitriptyline (Elavil), Aspirin, Blood pressure medications known as ACE-inhibitors (including Capoten, Lotensin, and Vasotec), Calcium carbonate antacids (such as Alka-Mints and Tums), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Tacrine (Cognex), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), Warfarin (Coumadin), Water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), or Zileuton (Zyflo). Are there any special warnings about Vioxx? If you develop swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, or begin to have difficulty breathing after taking a dose of Vioxx, seek medical help immediately. You may be having a serious allergic reaction to the drug. Vioxx occasionally causes 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 Vioxx and call your doctor immediately. Don't take Vioxx at all if you have a history of liver disease. Also avoid Vioxx if you have severe kidney disease. Long-term use of NSAIDs such as Vioxx can interfere with the kidneys, especially in people with heart failure, poor kidney function, or liver problems. Also at higher risk of a problem are older adults 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. Vioxx is more likely to cause serious gastrointestinal side effects if you have had a problem with ulcers or stomach 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 and blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin. Other factors that increase your risk include smoking, alcoholism, and long-term use of NSAIDs. Use Vioxx with extreme caution if you meet any of these criteria. Caution is also warranted if you have asthma. Vioxx could trigger an attack, especially if you are also sensitive to aspirin. You should also use Vioxx cautiously when suffering from dehydration. Vioxx sometimes causes water retention, which can aggravate swelling, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Use Vioxx with caution if you have any of these conditions. Report any unexplained swelling or weight gain to your doctor immediately. Vioxx may also cause a slight increase in the risk of dangerous blood clots, and should be used with caution if you have a history of clogged arteries, angina, or heart attack. Alert your doctor without delay if you develop chest pain. If you have been taking a steroid medication for arthritis, do not discontinue it abruptly when you begin therapy with Vioxx. Vioxx is not a substitute for such drugs. Because Vioxx 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. The safety and effectiveness of Vioxx in children below the age of 18 have not been evaluated. |
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