Tablet

Pharmacia

Bextra (valdecoxib) is used to treat osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis, and painful menstruation.

Do not take Bextra (valdecoxib) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Bextra (valdecoxib) you have a history of asthma attacks, hives, or runny nose caused by aspirin or NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen) you have gastrointestinal bleeding

Before using Bextra (valdecoxib), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements if you have a history of stomach bleeding, peptic ulcers, or intestinal disease if you are taking blood thinners (eg, warfarin) if you have a history of smoking, alcoholism, or poor health if you have kidney or liver disease if you are dehydrated if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or fluid retention if you have asthma if you have any other medical condition

Bextra (valdecoxib) may cause severe stomach problems and bleeding especially in older adults who are taking blood thinners. Seek immediate medical attention if bleeding or allergic reaction to Bextra (valdecoxib) occurs.

Other:  Muscle pain; sinus inflammation; rash.

How much medicine you take and how often it is taken depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Bextra (valdecoxib) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Bextra (valdecoxib) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking aspirin while taking Bextra (valdecoxib). Stop taking Bextra (valdecoxib) and contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the following occur: Stomach pain; black, tarry stools; rash; unexplained weight gain; swelling; nausea; tiredness; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes; stomach tenderness; flu-like symptoms; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest. Bextra (valdecoxib) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Bextra (valdecoxib) without talking with your health care provider. Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Bextra (valdecoxib). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider.

Store Bextra (valdecoxib) at controlled room temperature (77 degrees F).