The pain and swelling from arthritis can make some of the tasks we once considered the easiest, simply unachievable. Fortunately, medicine has come a long way in the recent past, and has brought us options to help live with arthritis, by easing the pain and reducing the swelling.

Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, menstrual pain or other acute pain. Vioxx works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

How it works:

Vioxx works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

How to Use:

Take Vioxx by mouth, generally once daily as directed. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, Vioxx is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take Vioxx with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.

Important Side Effect Information :

CStomach upset or tiredness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: severe headache, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes, very stiff neck. Very unlikely but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to aspirin/other NSAIDs), liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers or bleeding, history of smoking, alcoholism, asthma, high blood pressure, growths in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps), serious infections, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anaemia), poorly controlled diabetes, dehydration. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first six months of pregnancy. It should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medication you may use, especially of: high blood pressure drugs, (e.g., ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril), water pills (diuretics such as furosemide or thiazides), aspirin or other NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen), lithium, methotrexate, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin). Check all prescription and non-prescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.