|
Brand Name: Bextra
Generic Name: Valdecoxib
(val de kox' ib)
Click here for availability, price comparison, and available pharmacy sources for Bextra
Why is bextra prescribed?
Bextra (Valdecoxib) is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods. Bextra is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain and inflammation.
» top
How should bextra be used properly?
Valdecoxib (Bextra) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take valdecoxib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
» top
What are the common uses for bextra?
Bextra may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
» top
What special precautions should I follow when using bextra?
Before taking valdecoxib,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to valdecoxib, aspirin, other NSAIDS, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and 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 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 valdecoxib, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking valdecoxib.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking valdecoxib. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from valdecoxib.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of side effects from valdecoxib.
» top
What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking bextra?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet while taking bextra.
» top
What should I do if I forget a dose of bextra?
You should take the missed dose of bextra just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
» top
What side effects can bextra cause?
Valdecoxib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain
- headache
- back pain
- heartburn
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unexplained weight gain
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- difficulty breathing
- extreme tiredness
- flu-like symptoms
- upset stomach
- lack of energy
- bloody vomit
- itching
- rash
Valdecoxib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
» topWhat storage conditions are needed for bextra?
Always keep the bextra in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
» top
What do I do in case of emergency or a bextra overdose?
In case of an accutane overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
» top
What other information should I know about bextra?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to valdecoxib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
» top
This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
» top
|