Vioxx Generic Name: ROFECOXIB (ro-fa-COX-ib)

Vioxx Drug Manufacturer: MERCK SHARP & DOHME

Vioxx Common Uses: This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

How to use this Vioxx Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this medicine is best taken with food. Take this medicine with a full glass of water (8 oz or 240 ml). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Vioxx Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. ALCOHOL WARNING: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take this medicine or other pain relievers/fever reducers. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (i.e., non-arthritis doses, between 81-325 mg per day) should be discussed with your doctor before combining with this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially stomach bleeding and kidney effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.