Valdecoxib (By Mouth)

Valdecoxib (val-de-KOX-ib)

Treats symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and also treats painful menstrual periods. This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Brand Name(s):

Bextra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valdecoxib, aspirin, or other pain or arthritis medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, cough medicine, lithium, blood thinners (Coumadin®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®), blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®), medicine to treat fungal infections (such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Nizoral®), medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, Luminal®, Tegretol®), or a steroid (such as cortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, AeroBid®, Azmacort®, Beclovent®, Beconase®, Celestone®, Cortone®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, Pediapred®, Flonase®, Flovent®, Nasonex®, Pulmicort®, Rhinocort®, Vancenase®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a stomach ulcer, asthma, kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Extreme drowsiness or weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort
• Runny or stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.