| Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and to treat pain and menstrual discomfort. - You should continue to take CELEBREX as prescribed even when you are feeling better. CELEBREX can be taken with or without food. - If you have kidney disease. IS CELEBREX A SUBSTITUTE FOR CORTICOSTEROIDS? IS CELEBREX A SUBSTITUTE FOR CORTICOSTEROIDS? CAN I TAKE CELEBREX IF I AM PREGNANT? DO NOT TAKE VIOXX IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin or to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as Feldene, Motrin, Naprosyn, Clinoril). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Vioxx or if a certain medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Vioxx unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Vioxx for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Vioxx. ALCOHOL WARNING: If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take Vioxx or other pain relievers/fever reducers. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Vioxx during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF VIOXX IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Vioxx. - Rifampin (an antibiotic). - If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Celebrex should not be used in late pregnancy because it may harm the fetus. In late pregnancy CELEBREX should be avoided because it may cause problems in the final development of the heart in the fetus. - Rifampin (an antibiotic). - If you have kidney disease. - In Osteoarthritis, the recommended dose for VIOXX is 25 to 50 mg a day. VIOXX delivers 24-hour relief from a once-daily dose. - Serious stomach problems, such as stomach and intestinal bleeding, can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death. Although this happens rarely, you should watch for signs that you may have this serious side effect. - If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Celebrex should not be used in late pregnancy because it may harm the fetus. If you are one of the many people who take low-dose aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke, you can still take CELEBREX. However, taking CELEBREX and aspirin together can increase your risk for developing stomach ulcers compared to taking CELEBREX alone. CELEBREX is not a substitute for aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention. You should continue to take VIOXX as prescribed even when you are feeling better. VIOXX can be taken with or without food. Generic VIOXX capsules come in 25mg. - In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the recommended dose for CELEBREX is 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day. CELEBREX provides relief through the day and through the night. |