VIOXX
Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known as a
COX-2 inhibitor used to relieve pain and inflammation (swelling and soreness), treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual discomfort.
Vioxx is a medicine for:
- relief of osteoarthritis (the arthritis caused by age-related “wear and tear” on bones and joints)
- relief of rheumatoid arthritis in adults
- management of acute pain in adults (like the short-term pain you can get after a dental or surgical operation)
- treatment of menstrual pain (pain during women’s monthly
periods).
GENERIC VIOXX functions the same way as Vioxx, but at a lower cost. To learn more about
generic Vioxx, please follow the information we have provided below.
Description
Vioxx (rofecoxib) is described chemically as
4-[ 4-( methylsulfonyl) phenyl]- 3- phenyl- 2( 5H)- furanone.
Rofecoxib is a white to off- white to light yellow powder. It is sparingly soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in
methanol and isopropyl acetate, very slightly soluble in ethanol, practically insoluble in octanol, and insoluble in
water. The empirical formula for rofecoxib is C17H14O4S, and the molecular weight is 314.36.
Each tablet of Vioxx for oral administration contains either 12.5, 25 or 50 mg of rofecoxib and the following
inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, and yellow ferric oxide.
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Mechanism of action
Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug that exhibits
anti- inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of
Vioxx is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX- 2).
At therapeutic concentrations in humans, Vioxx does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase- 1 (COX- 1) isoenzyme.
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Clinical studies
Analgesia,
including Dysmenorrhea: In acute analgesic models of
post- operative dental pain, post- orthopedic surgical
pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, Vioxx relieved pain that
was rated by patients as moderate to severe. The
analgesic effect (including onset of action) of a single
50- mg dose of Vioxx was generally similar to 550 mg of
naproxen sodium or 400 mg of ibuprofen. In single- dose
post- operative dental pain studies, the onset of
analgesia with a single 50- mg dose of Vioxx occurred
within 45 minutes. In a multiple- dose study of post-
orthopedic surgical pain in which patients received
Vioxx or placebo for up to 5 days, 50 mg of Vioxx once
daily was effective in reducing pain. In this study,
patients on Vioxx consumed a significantly smaller
amount of additional analgesic medication than patients
treated with placebo (1. 5 versus 2.5 doses per day of
additional analgesic medication for Vioxx and placebo,
respectively).
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Food effects
Food had no significant effect on either the peak plasma concentration
(Cmax ) or extent of absorption (AUC) of rofecoxib when generic Vioxx tablets were taken with a high fat meal.
The time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax ), however, was delayed by 1 to 2 hours. The food effect on the
suspension formulation has not been studied. Generic Vioxx tablets can be administered without regard to timing
of meals. There was a 13% and 8% decrease in AUC when generic Vioxx was administered with calcium carbonate antacid
and magnesium/ aluminum antacid to elderly subjects, respectively. There was an approximate 20% decrease in Cmax of
rofecoxib with either antacid.
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Contraindications of Vioxx
Since Vioxx and GENERIC VIOXX can create physical dependence, it is not
recommended for patients with a tendency to drug abuse, a history of drug dependence, or chronically using opioids.
Additionally, anyone who has had an allergic-type reaction to either Rofecoxib or any product containing an opioid
medicine (like Tylenol with Codeine) should not take generic Vioxx.
You should not take Vioxx if you have experienced asthma, hives, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A few examples of other NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen,
diclofenac, nabumetone, and ketoprofen.
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Side effects
The most frequently reported side effects experienced with Vioxx were
constipation, nausea, dizziness, headache, somnolence, and vomiting. Patients should talk to their doctors about any
side effects they experience while taking generic Vioxx.
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Dosage and administration of Generic Vioxx
You will get the best pain relief by following your doctor's instructions and
taking generic Vioxx as it was prescribed for you. Generic Vioxx may be taken with or without food. You may find it
easiest to take your generic Vioxx tablets at the same times every day. In any case, you should not take more than the
dose prescribed, and you should never take more than 2 tablets in a 4-hour period.
The lowest dose of generic Vioxx should be sought for each patient.
Osteoarthritis: The recommended starting dose of generic Vioxx is 12.5 mg once daily. Some patients may receive
additional benefit by increasing the dose to 25 mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 25 mg.
Management of Acute Pain and Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea:
The recommended initial dose of generic Vioxx is 50 mg once daily. Subsequent doses should be 50 mg once daily as needed.
Generic Vioxx tablets may be taken with or without food.
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Google - VIOXX NEWS
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More money and strong leader wanted at FDAReuters - 12 hours agoAgency officials were stung by the 2004 withdrawal of Merck's arthritis pill Vioxx over heart risks and criticism from lawmakers for their handling of ... |
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Tue, Nov 18, 2008 -
AG sues major drugmaker for false advertisingThe Zonie Report, Arizona - Nov 18, 2008Pfizer released Celebrex in early 1999, which was followed severla months later by Vioxx from Merck, a Pfizer competitor. Vioxx was withdrawn from the ... |
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