About Vioxx
Vioxx is commonly prescribed as a treatment for pain and
inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and other acute
pain unrelated to arthritic conditions. (See arthritis
and joint pain.) Individuals with dysmenorrhea (painful
menstruation) may also find some relief from this medication.
Vioxx is also sometimes prescribed for short-term pain relief
after surgery.
Vioxx may also be given to patients with familial adenomatous
polyposis (FAP) to reduce the numbers of colorectal polyps these
individuals develop. It has not been demonstrated that Vioxx
reduces their increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Vioxx belongs to a new group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) that target the Cox-2 enzyme. Previous NSAIDs, like
Naprosyn or Motrin, can also interfere with the COX-1 enzyme associated
with protecting the stomach lining. However, long term use of Vioxx
may show a similar side effect profile (GI irritation and bleeding)
to other related medications.
Vioxx is only available by prescription.
Vioxx Side Effects
Though Vioxx side effects are rarely serious enough for patients
to discontinue use, some may require medical attention. Contact
your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking
Vioxx.
Common Vioxx side effects: Cold-like symptoms (fever,
sore throat, sneezing, cough), skin rash, swelling in the extremities.
Less common Vioxx side effects: Burning sensation in chest
or stomach, chest congestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite, difficulty
sleeping, dizziness, flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, weakness,
nausea, chills), high blood pressure, stomach tenderness, indigestion,
back pain, or runny nose.
Rare Vioxx side effects: Anxiety, susceptibility to infection,
constipation, breathing problems, breast problems, eye infection,
cataract, dermatitis, diabetes, difficult urination, sweating, numb
or tingling fingers or toes, ear infection, fungal infection, hepatitis,
inflamed digestive tract or bladder, kidney stones, skin sensitivity
or increased reaction to sunlight, tendonitis, hair loss, laryngitis,
menstrual difficulties, herniated stomach, migraine, hypercholesterolemia,
hyperglycemia, leg cramps, or nosebleeds.
Cautions: Certain conditions are incompatible with Vioxx treatment, or indicate that treatment should proceed with care. Advise your doctor of any of the following reactions.
- Allergic reactions to Vioxx mean that you should end
treatment immediately. Allergies to Sulfonamides (sulfadiazine,
sulfisoxazole, Gantanol, or Thiosulfil), other NSAIDs, or Aspirin
also indicate that a person should not take Vioxx.
- Anemia - This medication may trigger this condition in
rare cases, and should be used cautiously in individuals with
a prior history of this iron deficiency. Do not take supplemental
iron unless your doctor has diagnosed you with anemia and directly
advised it.
- Asthma - Vioxx could trigger an attack, make sure that
your doctor closely monitors any adverse reaction. Asthmatics
with a sensitivity to Aspirin are at the highest risk for an allergic
reaction to Vioxx.
- Dehydration - This problem should be corrected before
beginning treatment with Vioxx, as it increases the risk of kidney
damage.
- Diabetics - Consult with your physician before taking
Vioxx, as you may be especially vulnerable to side effects.
- Heart problems - Long-term Vioxx treatment may cause
renal toxicity and decreased blood flow to the heart. Patients
with pre-existing heart conditions, liver problems, and those
taking diuretics or ACE-inhibitors are most likely to be affected.
High blood pressure is also a possible side effect of this medication.
Normal function is usually restored when the patient stops taking
Vioxx. This medication has been associated with a higher risk
of heart attack and chest pain than comparable drugs like Naprosyn (naproxen).
- Kidney or liver impairment - Vioxx could aggravate or
trigger these conditions. If you have a history of kidney or liver
problems, use Vioxx with caution. Kidney damage may result from
long-term use, always drink extra water with your treatment. Liver
problems may be indicated by yellowing skin, pain to the right
of your stomach, itchy skin, nausea, drowsiness, or other flu-like
symptoms. Stop taking Vioxx and contact your doctor immediately
if these conditions develop. Do not consume alcohol during the
time of treatment with this medication if you have any history
of liver problems.
- Pregnancy - COX II inhibitors should not be taken in
the last 3 months of pregnancy, and have not been studied for
safety earlier in pregnancy.
- Ulcer or Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Any history of these
conditions is an indication for extreme caution in the use of
any NSAID, including the COX II inhibitors. These medications
may cause or aggravate deterioration and bleeding in the GI tract.
Active ulcers are a contraindication for treatment.
- Water retention - Vioxx can aggravate any problems related
to fluid retention such as heart failure, high blood pressure,
or swelling.
Warning signs: Stop taking Vioxx and contact your doctor
immediately if you notice severe stomach cramps, swelling in your face or extremities, skin rash, black stools, vomiting bloody or black material, or sudden weight gain.
Seek emergency treatment if any of the following symptoms
occur while taking Vioxx, as they are signs of anaphylaxis, a
severe allergic reaction most common in asthmatic patients with aspirin sensitivity: severe breathing difficulties (breathing
too fast, shortness of breath, irregular breathing or fainting),
hive-like rash, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling around eyes.
Have someone drive you to the hospital or call for an ambulance,
it is extremely dangerous to drive in this condition. If you must
wait for an ambulance, lie down with your feet elevated and be sure
to keep warm. If this rare reaction occurs, or you have had a similar
reaction to aspirin or a sulfonamide, you will have to stop taking
Vioxx.
Vioxx Interactions
Certain drugs react with Vioxx. Your doctor may adjust the dosage
of one of the medications, or may indicate that they should not
be taken together. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about
potential drug interactions.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors - Medications
like Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Altace
(ramipril), Capoten
(captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril),
Monopril (fosinopril),
Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril),
Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec (enalapril) may be less
effective when combined with Vioxx treatment.
- Alcohol - Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using Vioxx,
as it puts you at risk for stomach problems and liver degeneration.
- Aspirin - Taking Aspirin with Vioxx may increase the risk of
gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to Aspirin, you should not take Vioxx.
- Cordarone (amiodarone) - Lower doses of Vioxx recommended.
- Corticosteroids - mixing these drugs with Vioxx increses the
risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - Increased
risk of bleeding, do not combine.
- Diflucan (fluconazole) -
May increase risk of side effects.
- Fosamax (alendronate) - The effectiveness of this osteoporosis
medication may be decreased by Vioxx.
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane, etc.) - May prevent Vioxx from clearing
from the blood and increase side effects
- Methotrexate (Amethopterin) - This medication may build up to
toxic levels with combined use.
- NSAIDs of any other type, such as Naprosyn or Motrin may increase
risk of side effects when mixed with Vioxx, particularly GI bleeding
or stomach irritation. If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to one of these drugs, you should not take Vioxx.
- Plavix (clopidogrel) - Increased risk of GI bleeding.
- Protease inhibitors like Norvir (ritonavir) may need to be accompanied
by lower doses of Vioxx.
- Rhythmol (propafenone) - Dosing adjustment may be necessary.
- SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine)
and Zoloft (sertraline)
may reduce clearance of COX II inhibitors and increase side effects.
Lower doses are recommended if you are currently being treated
with one of these medications.
- Thiazide (hydrochlorothiazide, Dyazide, Corzide) - Vioxx may
interfere with these diuretics and increase the risk of heart
problems.
- Tobacco - May increase the risk of side effects.
- Toradol (ketorolac) - Do not take this medication while taking
Vioxx.
Vioxx Dosages
Vioxx is commonly prescribed in the following doses. Follow your
doctor's advice if he suggest a different dosage, always use
the minimum effective dose.
- Osteoarthritis - 12.5 mg once a day, up to a maximum of 25 mg
once daily.
- Acute or Menstrual Pain - 50 mg once a day, for up to 5 days
- Kidney Impairment: This medication is not recommended in acute
kidney disease or failure.
- Liver Impairment: Patients with liver disease or impairment
may be prescribed half the regular dose. This medication is not
recommended in acute liver disease.
Vioxx is available in the following forms and strengths:
- 12.5 mg, off-white tablet
- 25 mg, yellow tablet
- 50 mg, orange tablet
- 12.5 mg/5 mL oral suspension, white to light yellow, strawberry
flavored
- 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension, white to light yellow, strawberry
flavored
Vioxx Directions
Vioxx should be taken according to your doctor's instructions
about dosage and frequency. If you miss a dose, take it immediately
if you remember soon after missing it. If it's close to the time
when you would ordinarily take another dose, wait until your scheduled
time to take the next dose. Do not take a double dose of Vioxx.
Store Vioxx away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location,
avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where
it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
The oral suspension form should not be allowed to freeze, and should
be shaken before use.
Keep Vioxx away from children; both when storing it, and
when discarding any unused medication.
Vioxx and Pregnancy
Vioxx has been shown to cause an increase of birth defects and
difficulties carrying a child to term in animals. Vioxx may also
pass to a child during breastfeeding, and may cause adverse reactions.
Vioxx is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Vioxx treatment does not appear to affect fertility or the health
of future children after treatment.
Vioxx and Children
Vioxx has not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 18.
Vioxx and Seniors
Vioxx does not appear to behave very differently in adults over
65 than in the rest of the adult population, though there is a slight
increase in unwanted side effects. Spontaneous gastrointestinal
bleeding has been responsible for most of the increase in adverse
reactions in elderly and debilitated populations. Seniors with a
history of heart problems, water retention, ulcers, or gastrointestinal
bleeding should be treated with caution, and for as short a time
as possible.
Vioxx is a trademark of Merck & Co. Inc.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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