Valdecoxib
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Valdecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and
stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Valdecoxib is in a
class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. It
works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
Precautions concerning Valdecoxib
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Valdecoxib, aspirin, other
NSAIDS, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications,
vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention
any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as enalapril
(Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan)
and ketoconazole (Nizoral); aspirin; diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone
(Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney or liver
disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling of legs and ankles, asthma.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking Valdecoxib, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking Valdecoxib.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking
Valdecoxib. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from Valdecoxib.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of
side effects from Valdecoxib.
Side effects of Valdecoxib
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- back pain
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you
experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- unexplained weight gain
- upset stomach
- extreme tiredness
- lack of energy
- itching
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach
- flu-like symptoms
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- difficulty breathing
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