Rofecoxib (brand name: Vioxx) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
Rofecoxib is a medicine for:
• Relief of osteoarthritis.
• Relief of rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• Management of acute pain in adults.
• Treatment of menstrual pain.
SIDE EFFECTS: Vioxx should be used cautiously in patients with
heart disease. Although stomach and intestinal ulcers occur with the use
of rofecoxib, they occur less frequently than with other NSAIDs in
short-term studies. Rofecoxib does not interfere with the function of
the platelets in the blood, and, as a result, it does not interfere with
blood clotting and promote bleeding like other NSAIDs.
The most common side effects of rofecoxib are headache, abdominal pain,
dyspepsia, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn and water retention. Other side
effects include insomnia, urinary retention (inability to urinate),
heart failure, aggravation of hypertension, chest pain, ringing in the
ears, stomach and intestinal ulcers, bleeding, blurred vision, anxiety,
weight gain, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness and weakness.
Allergic type reactions can occur with rofecoxib. Persons who have
developed allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing) from
aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to rofecoxib
and should not use rofecoxib. |
