Rofecoxib
Rofecoxib oral suspension
What is rofecoxib suspension?
ROFECOXIB (Vioxx®) is a drug used to reduce inflammation and ease mild to moderate pain for such conditions as arthritis, painful menstrual cycles, or pain after dental or surgical procedures. Generic rofecoxib oral suspension is not available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. Patients currently taking Rofecoxib should contact their prescriber regarding discontinuation and alternative therapies. If you have unused oral suspension, you may return the product to NNC Group, Merck Returns, 2670 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241 for a refund. Send any unused product in its original pharmacy packaging, the pharmacy receipt for the product you are returning, and your name, address, and phone number by regular, first-class U.S. mail. You will receive a full refund of the price paid, as reflected on your pharmacy receipt. You will also receive a refund of the cost of shipping via regular U.S. mail. If you have questions about the discontinuation of Vioxx® or about the refund, you may call 1—800—805—9542 or 1—888—368—4699.
What should my health care professional know before I take rofecoxib?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
asthma
cigarette smoker
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
dehydrated
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
heart or circulation problems such as heart failure, angina, blocked artery in heart, or leg edema
high blood pressure
history of a heart attack
kidney disease
liver disease
nasal polyps
stomach bleeding or ulcers
taking blood thinners
taking hormones such as prednisone (steroids)
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, rofecoxib, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take rofecoxib oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your medicine. Tell your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. If rofecoxib upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with rofecoxib?
alcohol
alendronate
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
cidofovir
cyclosporine
drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)
entecavir
herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
methotrexate
other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
pemetrexed
probenecid
theophylline
warfarin
water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking rofecoxib?
Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues; do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your stomach, take rofecoxib with a full glass of water. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from rofecoxib. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
Avoid taking other prescription or over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIADs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®), naprosyn (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT), while taking rofecoxib. Side effects including stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting or serious side effects such as ulcers are more likely if rofecoxib is given with other NSAIDs. Many non-prescription products contain NSAIDs; closely read labels before taking any medicines with rofecoxib.
Rofecoxib cannot take the place of aspirin for the prevention of heartattack or stroke. If you are currently taking aspirin for this purpose, you should not discontinue taking aspirin without checking with your prescriber or health care professional.
It is especially important not to use rofecoxib during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Rofecoxib may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
What side effects may I notice from taking rofecoxib?
Patients should seek immediate emergency help in the case of a serious allergic reaction. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
black, tarry stools
blurred vision
decrease in the amount of urine passed
difficulty breathing
fainting or passing out
fast heartbeat
fatigue, weakness, or sleepiness
skin rash, hives, redness, blistering, peeling or itching
stomach tenderness, pain, bleeding, or cramps
swelling of eyelids, throat, lips, legs, ankles, or feet
unexplained weight gain or edema
unusual headache with stiff neck
severe nausea or vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation or diarrhea
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
gas or heartburn
minor upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Rofecoxib tablets
What are rofecoxib tablets?
ROFECOXIB (Vioxx®) is a drug used to reduce inflammation and ease mild to moderate pain for such conditions as arthritis, painful menstrual cycles, or pain after dental or surgical procedures. Generic rofecoxib tablets are not available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States. Patients currently taking Rofecoxib should contact their prescriber regarding discontinuation and alternative therapies. If you have unused tablets, you may return the product to NNC Group, Merck Returns, 2670 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241 for a refund. Send any unused product in its original pharmacy packaging, the pharmacy receipt for the product you are returning, and your name, address, and phone number by regular, first-class U.S. mail. You will receive a full refund of the price paid, as reflected on your pharmacy receipt. You will also receive a refund of the cost of shipping via regular U.S. mail. If you have questions about the discontinuation of Rofecoxib or about the refund, you may call 1—800—805—9542 or 1—888—368—4699.
What should my health care professional know before I take rofecoxib?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
asthma
cigarette smoker
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
dehydrated
drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
heart or circulation problems such as heart failure, angina, blocked artery in heart, or leg edema
high blood pressure
history of a heart attack
kidney disease
liver disease
nasal polyps
stomach bleeding or ulcers
taking blood thinners
taking hormones such as prednisone (steroids)
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, rofecoxib, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take rofecoxib tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. If rofecoxib upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with rofecoxib?
alcohol
alendronate
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
cidofovir
cyclosporine
drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)
entecavir
herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
methotrexate
other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
pemetrexed
probenecid
theophylline
warfarin
water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking rofecoxib?
Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues; do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your stomach, take rofecoxib with a full glass of water. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from rofecoxib. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and/or vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
Avoid taking other prescription or over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIADs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®), naprosyn (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT), while taking rofecoxib. Side effects including stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, vomiting or serious side effects such as ulcers are more likely if rofecoxib is given with other NSAIDs. Many non-prescription products contain NSAIDs; closely read labels before taking any medicines with rofecoxib.
Rofecoxib cannot take the place of aspirin for the prevention of heartattack or stroke. If you are currently taking aspirin for this purpose, you should not discontinue taking aspirin without checking with your prescriber or health care professional.
It is especially important not to use rofecoxib during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Rofecoxib may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
What side effects may I notice from taking rofecoxib?
Patients should seek immediate emergency help in the case of a serious allergic reaction. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
black, tarry stools
blurred vision
decrease in the amount of urine passed
difficulty breathing
fainting or passing out
fast heartbeat
fatigue, weakness, or sleepiness
skin rash, hives, redness, blistering, peeling or itching
stomach tenderness, pain, bleeding, or cramps
swelling of eyelids, throat, lips, legs, ankles, or feet
unexplained weight gain or edema
unusual headache with stiff neck
severe nausea or vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation or diarrhea
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
gas or heartburn
minor upset stomach
nausea or vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert