The following information is a summary about Bextra. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Bextra medication prescribed?
Bextra/Valdecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Bextra/Valdecoxib is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. Bextra works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
How should this Bextra medicine be used?
Bextra/Valdecoxib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Bextra is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. Follow the Bextra directions on your Bextra prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Bextra pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Bextra/valdecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Bextra or take Bextra more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special Bextra precautions should I follow?
Before taking Bextra/valdecoxib,
tell your doctor and Bextra pharmacist if you are allergic to Bextra/valdecoxib, aspirin, other NSAIDS, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and Bextra pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); aspirin; diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for Bextra side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney or liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling of legs and ankles, asthma.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Bextra/valdecoxib, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Bextra/valdecoxib.
ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking Bextra/valdecoxib. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from Bextra/valdecoxib.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of side effects from Bextra/valdecoxib.
What side effects can this Bextra medication cause?
Bextra/Valdecoxib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these Bextra symptoms are severe or do not go away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
heartburn
back pain
headache
Some Bextra side effects can be serious. The following Bextra symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
rash
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
unexplained weight gain
upset stomach
extreme tiredness
lack of energy
itching
pain in the right upper part of the stomach
flu-like symptoms
yellowing of the skin or eyes
difficulty breathing
Bextra/Valdecoxib may cause other Bextra side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this Bextra medication.
What should I do if I forget a Bextra dose?
Take the missed Bextra dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Bextra dose, skip the missed Bextra dose and continue your regular Bextra dosing schedule. Do not take a double Bextra dose to make up for a missed one.
Other uses for this Bextra medicine
This Bextra medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Bextra information.
What other Bextra information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Bextra.
Do not let anyone else take your Bextra medication. Ask your Bextra pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Bextra prescription.
In case of Bextra emergency/overdose
In case of Bextra overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What storage conditions are needed for Bextra?
Keep Bextra in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Bextra at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Bextra medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Bextra medication.
