Osteoarthritis and Vioxx

For what purposes Vioxx is used?
Vioxx is known by its generic name Rofecoxib in medical terms. Vioxx is a painkiller used for obtaining relief from severe pains. Vioxx is pronounced as VYE-ox. Normally, Vioxx is prescribed for treating patients suffering from severe pain. Generally, Vioxx is prescribed for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, painful menstruations. It can be even prescribed for many other diseases that cause acute pain. Vioxx belongs to the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) group, also known as COX-2 inhibitors in medical terminology. Bextra and Celebrex are some of the other drugs from this group of COX-2 inhibitors.

The COX-2 natural enzyme, which is the major constituent of Vioxx, is known for its proprietary of combating inflammation and pain by inhibiting its effect. The benefits (relief from pain and reduction of inflammation) obtained from Vioxx is similar to that obtained from the aspirin. Vioxx is different from aspirin in a manner that aspirin has proprietary of blood-thinning effects, which Vioxx does not have.

Is Vioxx safe for use?
No. Vioxx is not safe for use. You should not use Vioxx like other over-the-counter medications. According to some researchers, use of Vioxx can produce some serious health complications like liver problems, stroke and even heart attack. Considering these adverse health effects Vioxx has been pulled off the market. Apart from the above complications, Vioxx may lead to some other less serious complications such as intestinal and stomach bleeding.

Side effects of Vioxx
Like certain other medications, especially from NSAIDs group, Vioxx too can cause certain side effects. Apart from the heart problems, stroke and liver disorders Vioxx can have adverse effect on stomach and intestine. Black, tarry stools and stomach disorders are symptoms of side effects.

Some of the less serious side effects of Vioxx include:

Abdominal pain, discomfort or diarrhea
Headache or dizziness
Heartburn
Infections of respiratory track
High blood pressure
Indigestion
Nausea
Swelling of ankles and legs
Weakness or fatigue
Sinus infection or bronchitis
Symptoms identical to that of flu
Back pain
Infection of urinary tract

If you experience one or some of the above side effects, stop using Vioxx immediately and consult your doctor for further management.

When to seek medical attention?
Apart from the above common side effects (both serious and less serious symptoms), you may experience any other symptoms which is abnormal. You must consult your doctor immediately whenever you experience these symptoms. In certain cases, where one experiences serious side effects like swelling of face, throat or tongue; or one faces difficulty in breathing (after taking Vioxx), you may have to seek immediate medical attention. If ignored, this could lead to more serious health complications.