Rofecoxib (By Mouth)

Rofecoxib (roe-fe-KOX-ib)

Treats pain caused by arthritis, menstruation, or recent medical or dental surgery. This medicine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s):

Vioxx
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rofecoxib, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Clinoril®, Daypro®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Naprosyn®, Orudis®, or Relafen®. You should not use this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before measuring each dose.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, lithium, theophylline, methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®), a steroid taken by mouth (such as cortisone, prednisone, Celestone®, Cortone®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, Pediapred®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®), or blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).
• Tell your doctor if you are currently taking low-dose aspirin for the prevention of heart attacks. Rofecoxib is not a blood thinner, and you will probably need to continue with your aspirin regimen.
• Drinking alcohol or smoking while using this medicine may increase your risk of side effects.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other general health problems.
• This medicine may cause stomach ulcers or bleeding, sometimes without warning signs. This risk increases if you have had ulcers or other stomach problems in the past or if you use this medicine for a long time. Be sure you understand what side effects to watch for while using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching, or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Chest pain
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Severe stomach pain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unexplained tiredness or weakness
• Unexplained weight gain
• Urinating less or less often than normal, extreme thirst
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Yellow skin or eyes, pain in the upper stomach, loss of appetite

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, upset stomach, heartburn

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.