Bextra

Type: NSAID

Active ingredient: Valdecoxib

Common use: Bextra is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual pains. It is a COX-2 inhibitor that works by blocking an enzyme necessary for the production of prostaglandins.

How to use: Follow the directions from your doctor regarding the proper use of Bextra. Bextra can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose of THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.

How to store: Store Bextra at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.

Warnings:

Bextra was removed from the market in 2005 due to concerns about possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience black stools, persistent abdominal pain or vomit that looks like coffee-grounds.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience flue-like symptoms, sluggishness, yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, unusual fatigue, change in amount of urine, dizziness or blurred vision.
• Bextra use has been linked to a potentially fatal medical condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience skin rash, skin peeling or blisters. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis where cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, dizziness, swollen eyelids, swollen face, swollen lips, swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing difficulties.
• Do not take Bextra if you are allergic to any sulfa medicines.
• Do not take Bextra if you are allergic to any NSAID.
• Do not take Bextra if you are allergic to aspirin.
• It is important to keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while using Bextra.
• Bextra is not recommended for those who consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day.
• Bextra can cause stomach bleeding.
• While using Bextra, do not use any other medicines without checking with your doctor first. This includes both prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine.
• Bextra should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor before using Bextra during the first or second trimester of pregnancy.
• It is unknown if Bextra is excreted in breast milk. Using Bextra while breastfeeding is not recommended.

Examples of side effects reported from Bextra use:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Weakness
• Weight gain
• Black stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee-grounds
• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions (see above)
• Stevens-Johnsons syndrome (see above)
• Liver problems (see above)