Viox or Rofecoxib
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Viox or Rofecoxib is used to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by
osteoarthritis. It is also used to relieve minor pain, headache, and menstrual pain and
discomfort. Rofecoxib works by reducing substances (COX II Inhibitors) that cause
inflammation, pain, and fever in the body.
Precautions before taking Viox or Rofecoxib
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rofecoxib, aspirin or other
medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), cimetidine (Tagamet), diuretics
(''water pills''), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril,
Prinivil), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), methotrexate, moexipril (Univasc), quinapril
(Accupril), ramipril (Altace), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), trandolapril (Mavik), any
medications for high blood pressure, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high
blood pressure; asthma; or an ulcer or any stomach problems or diseases.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking rofecoxib, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking rofecoxib.
Side effects of Viox or Rofecoxib
Although side effects from rofecoxib are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- dizziness
- heartburn
- vomiting
- constipation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody vomit
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- swelling of the face, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unexplained weight gain
- fatigue, unusual tiredness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- right upper abdominal pain
- flu-like symptoms
- skin rash
- itching
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