Bextra.
Valdecoxib is an oral drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are used primarily
to treat pain and arthritis. Other NSAIDs include aspirin and
aspirin-related drugs, ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (indocin),
naproxen (Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), sulindac (Clinoril),
ketoprofen (Orudis), etc. Valdecoxib works by altering the production of
prostaglandins, chemicals manufactured by the body that promote the
inflammation of arthritis and cause the pain, swelling and tenderness of
arthritic joints. Valdecoxib, like the newer NSAIDs celecoxib (Celebrex)
and rofecoxib (Vioxx), blocks one of the enzymes that makes
prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 2), resulting in lower concentrations of
prostaglandins. As a consequence, pain, swelling and tenderness of
joints due to arthritis are reduced. Valdecoxib (like celecoxib and
rofecoxib) differs from most other NSAIDs in that it causes less
inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine (at least with
short-term treatment) and does not interfere with the clotting of blood.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of valdecoxib are
headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence and insomnia.
Other side effects include fainting, kidney failure, heart failure,
fluid retention, aggravation of hypertension, chest pain, ringing in the
ears, deafness, stomach and intestinal ulcers, bleeding, blurred vision,
anxiety, photosensitivity, weight gain, water retention, flu-like
symptoms, drowsiness and weakness. Serious allergic reactions have been
reported with valdecoxib; it is recommended that patients who experience
a rash after beginning therapy with valdecoxib should discontinue
valdecoxib immediately and seek the advise of their physician. Although
valdecoxib is not a sulfonamide itself (unlike celecoxib), it is
recommended that patients with an allergy to sulfonamides ("sulfas")
should not take valdecoxib. Although the chances of stomach or
intestinal ulceration or bleeding with valdecoxib are low, a small risk
of these side effects remains.
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