VIOXX

Drug Name: VIOXX

VIOXX DESCRIPTION:
ROFECOXIB - ORAL (row-feh-COX-ib)

COMMON VIOXX BRAND NAME(S):
Vioxx

VIOXX SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset or tiredness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly black or bloody stools, stomach pain, severe headache or a change in the amount of urine. Very unlikely but report promptly dark urine or yellowing eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VIOXX:
VIOXX: Take VIOXX by mouth, generally once daily as directed. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, VIOXX is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take VIOXX with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking VIOXX.

VIOXX USES:
VIOXX is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, menstrual pain or other acute pain.

VIOXX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially to aspirin/other NSAIDs); liver, kidney, or heart disease; stomach/intestinal ulcers or bleeding; history of smoking, alcoholism, asthma, high blood pressure; growths in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps); serious infections, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia) or poorly controlled diabetes. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when VIOXX is used in the elderly, as this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. VIOXX should be used only when clearly needed during the first six months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether VIOXX is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using VIOXX is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VIOXX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially medicines for high blood pressure (e.g., ACE Inhibitors such as lisinopril); "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or thiazides); other NSAIDs or aspirin (e.g., ibuprofen); lithium, methotrexate; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs/aspirin) which are similar to VIOXX. Aspirin as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (i.e., non- arthritis doses) should be continued. Consult your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VIOXX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

VIOXX NOTES:
Do not share VIOXX with others. Laboratory or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED VIOXX DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

VIOXX STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.