Rofecoxib

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults.

How does it work?

• Rofecoxib reduces inflammation and pain. It blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain/inflammation.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake liquid (suspension) first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can cause increases in stomach irritation.
• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have a weakened heart. May cause increased shortness of breath or weight gain. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure may increase. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine, especially sulfonamides. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Belly pain, heartburn, cramps, diarrhea, gas.
• Stomach bleeding or ulceration. Watch stools for dark, tarry black color.

What should I monitor?

• Relief of symptoms. Are they better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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