Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—For safe and effective use of this medicine, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your health care professional. Taking too much of this medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

The dose of valdecoxcib will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of valdecoxcib. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking valdecoxcib.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For dysmenorrhea (pain with your menstrual period):
    • Adults—Take 20 milligrams (mg) twice a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For osteoarthritis:
    • Adults—Take 10 mg once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis:
    • Adults—Take 10 mg once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If your health care professional ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule, and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.