Rofecoxib
Description
Rofecoxib is a medicine belonging to the group Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used for relieving mild to moderate pain and swelling of joints and muscles. However, the use of this medicine has been associated with adverse effect on heart and should be used with caution.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Rofecoxib
- Headache
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet
- Severe stomach ache
- Blurred vision
- Hives and wheezing
- Heart attack
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract infection
Uses of Rofecoxib
What is it prescribed for?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 1-3 hours of administration.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 16-20 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Restrict or minimize the use of alcohol while taking this medicine. Report any instances of heartburn or stomach discomfort like severe cramps and pain to the doctor on priority.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it or any other component of the medicine.
Peptic Ulcer
This medicine is not recommended if you have peptic ulcer or other conditions that cause swelling and bleeding of the stomach. It could cause severe swelling and bleeding in the stomach, colon, and anus as well.
Heart diseases
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a history of heart conditions. The risk of fatal adverse effects are even higher if you have an active condition like heart block, rhythm disorder etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative if the use of a painkiller is absolutely necessary.
General warnings
Heart disease and fatality
Rofecoxib has been associated with severe to fatal adverse effects on the heart and hence should be used with extreme caution. It should not be used if you have moderate to severe heart block, angina, heart attack etc.
Stomach ulcer and bleeding
Use of this medicine can cause moderate to severe ulcer in the stomach. Report any such instance to the doctor immediately.
Other medicine
This medicine is known to interact with a large number of other medicine that you might possibly be taking. Report the use of all medications including supplements and herbs to the doctor. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Pediatric use
This medicine is not recommended for use by children below 16 years.
Kidney impairment
This medicine can cause some serious side effects on the kidney. Report any such instance to the doctor on priority.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Overdose
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include skin rashes, confusion, chest pain, blurred vision etc.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Use of alcohol while taking this medicine can cause some very severe side effects in the stomach and intestine.
Instructions
Restrict or minimize the use of alcohol while taking this medicine. Report any instances of heartburn or stomach discomfort like severe cramps and pain to the doctor on priority.
Interaction with Medicine
Lithium
Ramipril
Warfarin
Ethinyl Estradiol
Primaquine
Disease interactions
Heart Disease
This medicine should be used with extreme caution if you are suffering from any heart-related conditions. Report the incidence of stroke, heart attack or heart failure to the doctor before receiving this medication. Your doctor may prescribe a more suitable medicine based on the severity of the condition.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having an active liver disease especially if the liver function is severely impaired. Suitable dose adjustment and safety monitoring may be required in such cases.
Gastro-intestinal disease
This medicine should be used with caution if you have any disease of the stomach or intestine. The risk of worsening of symptoms is very high while using this medicine. Report any such instance, whether historic or active, to the doctor.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Rofecoxib as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller quantities than prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. An adequate amount of water should be consumed while taking this medication.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by reducing the formation of certain substances in the body that causes pain and swelling.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 21 March 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 21 March 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 21 March 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 21 March 2017]. Available from:
Rofecoxib | C17H14O4S - PubChem [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 21 March 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Nov 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.