Merck Frosst

Vioxx (rofecoxib) is used to manage signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and osteoarthritis (degenerative bone disease). It is also used to manage acute pain in adults and painful menstruation.

Do not take Vioxx (rofecoxib) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Vioxx (rofecoxib) or to sulfa medicines you have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or similar medications (eg, ibuprofen)

Before using Vioxx (rofecoxib), 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, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a history of ulcers if you have a history of intestinal bleeding if you have advanced kidney disease if you have ischemic heart disease if you are dehydrated if you have impaired liver function if you have a history of fluid retention if you have high blood pressure if you have heart disease if you have a history of asthma if you have any other medical condition

Other:  Weakness; swelling of the legs and feet; back pain; bronchitis; urinary tract infection.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Vioxx (rofecoxib) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with Vioxx (rofecoxib) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Vioxx (rofecoxib) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Vioxx (rofecoxib) may be taken with or without food. Do not use Vioxx (rofecoxib) if you have experienced asthma, runny nose with or without nasal polyps, or severe tightness in the chest after taking aspirin or similar medications. Women who are in their last trimester of pregnancy should not take Vioxx (rofecoxib) as it may harm the developing fetus. Contact your health care provider at once if you have signs or symptoms of ulcers, bleeding in the stomach, rash, unexplained weight gain, or swelling. Stop using Vioxx (rofecoxib) and contact your health care provider at once if nausea, tiredness, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach tenderness, or flu-like symptoms (headache; tiredness; muscle aches; fever) occur. These could be signs of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor at once if signs of an allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) occur. Vioxx (rofecoxib) 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 Vioxx (rofecoxib) 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 Vioxx (rofecoxib). Do not use more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of Vioxx (rofecoxib). 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, restart medication and contact your health care provider.

Store Vioxx (rofecoxib) at 77 degrees.