Saturday 7 April 2012

valdecoxib


Generic Name: valdecoxib (val deh COCK sib)

Brand Names: Bextra


What is valdecoxib?

Valdecoxib (Bextra) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.


Valdecoxib is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Valdecoxib works by reducing substances in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever.


Valdecoxib is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Valdecoxib is also used to treat painful menstruation.


Valdecoxib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about valdecoxib?


Valdecoxib (Bextra) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.


The manufacturer of valdecoxib (Bextra) has announced the voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. market. This withdrawal is due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (valdecoxib is a "COX-2" selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and safety concerns of an increased risk of rare but serious skin reactions in patients taking valdecoxib.


Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); aspirin; or another NSAID such as celecoxib (Celebrex), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to valdecoxib. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Serious skin reactions have occurred in patients taking valdecoxib. These reactions tend to occur within the first two weeks of treatment, but may occur at any time during treatment. Stop taking valdecoxib and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valdecoxib?


The manufacturer of valdecoxib (Bextra) has announced the voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the U.S. market. This withdrawal is due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (valdecoxib is a "COX-2" selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and safety concerns of an increased risk of rare but serious skin reactions in patients taking valdecoxib.


Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you have experienced asthma, hives, or an allergic reaction after taking a sulfa-based medication such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Gantanol, and others) or sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin); aspirin; or another NSAID such as celecoxib (Celebrex), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin). You may experience a similar reaction to valdecoxib.

Valdecoxib should not be used for the treatment of pain after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The use of valdecoxib in such patients has led to an increased incidence of cardiovascular events, deep surgical infections and wound complications. Talk to your doctor before taking valdecoxib if you are being treated for pain associated with CABG.


Before taking valdecoxib, tell your doctor if you



  • smoke;




  • drink alcohol;




  • have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach;



  • have liver disease;

  • have kidney disease;


  • have asthma;




  • have congestive heart failure;




  • have fluid retention;




  • have heart disease;




  • have high blood pressure;




  • have a coagulation (bleeding) disorder or are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin); or




  • are taking a steroid medicine such as prednisone (Deltasone and others), methylprednisolone (Medrol and others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, and others), and others.



You may not be able to take valdecoxib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or are taking any of the medicines, listed above.


Valdecoxib is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Valdecoxib should not be taken late in pregnancy (the third trimester) because it may affect the formation of the baby's heart. Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether valdecoxib passes into breast milk. Do not take valdecoxib without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over the age of 65 years, you may be more likely to experience side effects from valdecoxib. You may require a lower dosage or special monitoring during your therapy.

How should I take valdecoxib?


Take valdecoxib exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Valdecoxib can be taken with or without food or milk. Follow your doctor's instructions.


Store valdecoxib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Valdecoxib dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a valdecoxib overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.


What should I avoid while taking valdecoxib?


There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking valdecoxib unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


Valdecoxib side effects


Serious skin reactions have occurred in patients taking valdecoxib. These reactions tend to occur within the first two weeks of treatment, but may occur at any time during treatment. Stop taking valdecoxib and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; or other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; nausea; bloody vomit; bloody, black, or tarry stools; unexplained weight gain; swelling or water retention; fatigue or lethargy; a skin rash; itching; yellowing of the skin or eyes;"flu-like" symptoms; or unusual bruising or bleeding. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valdecoxib and talk to your doctor if you experience



  • diarrhea;




  • nausea or upset stomach; or




  • headache.



Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


Valdecoxib Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

Valdecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in April, 2005 by the manufacturer following an FDA Public Health Advisory announcing that the overall risk versus benefit profile for valdecoxib is unfavorable, based on the following: reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including deaths, in patients taking Bextra. The risk of these reactions have occurred in patients with and without a prior history of sulfa allergy, and after both short- and long-term use. The lack of adequate data on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse CV events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) trial that FDA believes may be relevant to chronic use, and lack of any demonstrated advantages for Bextra compared with other NSAIDs. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the USA.

Initial dose: 10 mg once daily

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Valdecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in April, 2005 by the manufacturer following an FDA Public Health Advisory announcing that the overall risk versus benefit profile for valdecoxib is unfavorable, based on the following: reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including deaths, in patients taking Bextra. The risk of these reactions have occurred in patients with and without a prior history of sulfa allergy, and after both short- and long-term use. The lack of adequate data on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse CV events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) trial that FDA believes may be relevant to chronic use, and lack of any demonstrated advantages for Bextra compared with other NSAIDs. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the USA.

Initial dose: 10 mg once daily

Usual Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea:

Valdecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in April, 2005 by the manufacturer following an FDA Public Health Advisory announcing that the overall risk versus benefit profile for valdecoxib is unfavorable, based on the following: reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including deaths, in patients taking Bextra. The risk of these reactions have occurred in patients with and without a prior history of sulfa allergy, and after both short- and long-term use. The lack of adequate data on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse CV events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) trial that FDA believes may be relevant to chronic use, and lack of any demonstrated advantages for Bextra compared with other NSAIDs. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the USA.

Initial dose: 20 mg twice daily

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Valdecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in April, 2005 by the manufacturer following an FDA Public Health Advisory announcing that the overall risk versus benefit profile for valdecoxib is unfavorable, based on the following: reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including deaths, in patients taking Bextra. The risk of these reactions have occurred in patients with and without a prior history of sulfa allergy, and after both short- and long-term use. The lack of adequate data on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse CV events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) trial that FDA believes may be relevant to chronic use, and lack of any demonstrated advantages for Bextra compared with other NSAIDs. The following dosage information applies to when the drug was available in the USA.

Study (n=507) - Oral or Bunionectomy Surgery: 20 or 40 mg single oral dose given 60 to 75 minutes before surgery.


What other drugs will affect valdecoxib?


Before taking valdecoxib, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:



  • aspirin or another salicylate (form of aspirin) such as salsalate (Disalcid), choline salicylate-magnesium salicylate (Trilisate, Tricosal, others), and magnesium salicylate (Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Formula, others);




  • an over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicine that contains dextromethorphan, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen;




  • a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), and others;



  • an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), and others;


  • a steroid medicine such as prednisone (Deltasone and others), methylprednisolone (Medrol and others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, and others), and others;




  • an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);




  • diazepam (Valium);




  • phenytoin (Dilantin);




  • glyburide (DiaBeta, others);




  • an oral contraceptive (Micronor, Triphasil, Levlen, others);




  • omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid);




  • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); or




  • fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).



You may not be able to take valdecoxib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.


Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with valdecoxib. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.



More valdecoxib resources


  • Valdecoxib Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Valdecoxib Dosage
  • Valdecoxib Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Valdecoxib Drug Interactions
  • Valdecoxib Support Group
  • 10 Reviews for Valdecoxib - Add your own review/rating


  • valdecoxib Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Bextra Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Bextra Consumer Overview



Compare valdecoxib with other medications


  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain
  • Period Pain
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about valdecoxib written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?


Valdecoxib (Bextra) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.


See also: valdecoxib side effects (in more detail)


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