Vioxx Overview
Important facts about Vioxx
Actually, Vioxx was discontinued in the United States in 2004.
Manufacturers of Vioxx have voluntarily discontinued the distribution and sales of Vioxx in the U.S. and worldwide market. The withdrawal of the said drug is due to the increasing incidence of the people having cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke.
If you experience abdominal pain, discomfort, tenderness, nausea, bloody vomit, black tarry stools, sudden weight gain, water retention or edema, fatigue, skin rashes, itching, flu symptoms, and unexplained bruising or bleeding, it is necessary to inform it immediately to your health care provider. These manifestations can be an early sign of serious adverse effects.
What is this Vioxx drug?
In 2004, the manufacturers of Vioxx have voluntarily discontinued their distribution of this product.
Vioxx belonged to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Vioxx works by decreasing the chemicals in the body that are responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever.
Because of these actions, Vioxx is used for the treatment of inflammation, stiffness, and pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Acute pains, migraines, and menstrual pains are also treated with Vioxx.
There are also other uses for Vioxx aside from those mentioned.
What to inform the physician prior to taking Vioxx?
Vioxx has been withdrawn to the U.S. and worldwide market because of the safety concerns due to the increased incidence of cardiovascular complications.
It is important to consult the doctor first before taking Vioxx. Contact your health care provider immediately if you develop allergic reactions such as skin hives, asthma, allergies to other NSAIDs such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), etodolac (Lodine), diflunisal (Dolobid), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), fenoprofen (Nalfon), ketorolac (Toradol), indomethacin (Indocin), oxaprozin (Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), sulindac (Clinoril), piroxicam (Feldene), celecoxib (Celebrex), tolmetin (Tolectin), meloxicam (Mobic), and valdecoxib (Bextra).
Prior to taking Vioxx, it is important to tell your physician if you:
* have high blood pressure
* have ever had an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach
* have heart disease
* have liver disease
* have fluid retention
* have kidney disease
* have congestive heart failure
* have asthma
* drink alcohol
* smoke
* are taking steroids
* have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder
* are taking an anticoagulant
If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be allowed to take Vioxx or your may require dose adjustments.
Vioxx is classified as FDA pregnancy category C. This means that Vioxx may cause harm and birth defects to an unborn child. Vioxx shouldn’t be taken in the last three months of pregnancy because it can affect the development of the baby’s heart. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you should inform your doctor about it prior to taking Vioxx. Breastfeeding mothers should not take Vioxx because it can be passed on the breast milk. Older people are at a greater risk of developing Vioxx. Strict monitoring and a lower dosage may be needed.
How to take Vioxx?
If you are taking Vioxx, you need to strictly follow your doctor’s prescription. You can ask your pharmacist if the instructions are unclear to you.
You need to take a full glass of water upon taking a dose of Vioxx. The Vioxx suspension should be taken first before measuring a dose. A calibrated measuring cup or spoon should be used when taking Vioxx to ensure that the amount is exact.
Vioxx can be taken with or without food or milk. It should be stored at room temperature and avoid exposure to moisture and heat.
What to do if a dose is missed?
You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remembered it right before the next dose, just wait for the next dose and skip the missed dose. You should not take extra dose of Vioxx unless the doctor prescribed it.
What will happen if there is an overdose?
You need to seek immediate medical attention if you are overdosed with Vioxx. Overdose symptoms of Vioxx are not known.
What are the things to avoid while taking Vioxx?
Unless the doctor told you to avoid certain foods, there are no restrictions for taking Vioxx.
Side effects of Vioxx
If you develop abdominal pain, discomfort, tenderness, nausea, bloody vomit, bloody stools, unexplained weight gain, swelling, and unusual bleeding or bruising, you need to inform your physician about it. These symptoms may signify an impending dangerous adverse effects caused by the drug.
If in case you experience any serious side effects, you need to stop taking Vioxx and seek immediate medical attention. These serious side effects include:
* unusual bruising or bleeding
* abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
* allergic reaction
* flu-like symptoms
* abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
* yellowing of your skin or eyes
* bloody, black, or tarry stools
* skin rash or itching
* nausea or heartburn
* unusual fatigue or lethargy
* blood in your vomit
* swelling or water retention
* unexplained weight gain
There are also side effects that are not very serious but also needs to be notified to the physician. These side effects are:
* diarrhea
* dizziness
* mild fatigue or weakness
If you experience side effects that are not included in the list mentioned, you need to consult your physician about it.
Are there drugs that can cause interaction with Vioxx?
Prior to taking Vioxx, notify your physician if you are taking other drugs such as:
* angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor)
* steroid medicine such as prednisone
* rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater)
* methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Folex)
* lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others)
* theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theobid, and others)
* anticoagulant (blood thinner)
* aspirin
* over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicine that contains aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen
* diuretics
If you’re taking these drugs, you may not be allowed to take Vioxx or you will be required to take a lower dosage and undergo special monitoring.
There are also other drugs that can cause interaction with Vioxx. Thus, it is important to inform your doctor about the drugs that you are taking such as over the counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and even herbal supplements prior to intake of Vioxx.
Where to get more information?
You can get more information about Vioxx through your pharmacist.
Vioxx is no longer sold in the United States since it was withdrawn in 2004.
